Public Hearing date set for major computer purchase by Decorah Schools

The Decorah Community School Board has set Monday, September 29, 5:00 p.m., as the date for a public hearing regarding the purchase of almost $1.7M in computer equipment. The purchases would allow the school to provide one-to-one computer learning for all students in the district, with iPads for each student in grades PK-4, and a MacBook Air for all students in grade 5-12. The younger grades would not be allowed to take the computers home.

The current 8th grade class was a trial group for the one-to-one program last year, with all students provided a computer. Signed parental agreements and acknowledgment of responsibility are part of the program.

The plan has been in the works for several years and funding would come from various sources, and shift as debt obligations are met and other expenditures occur.  The annual cost of the "lease to buy" purchase would be about $440K and it is anticipated that after four years the District would phase into another round of purchases to replace the then outdated computers. At that time the District would also evaluate which computers are the most appropriate for use at each grade level.

The Board is expected to act on the authorization to purchase immediately after the September 29 hearing, which will be held at the District Office. If approved, full implementation should be phased in by next January.