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School Bonds on the Ballot Would Fund Technology

Districts across the state, large and small, are seeking updated information technology and new devices.

student tablet,Elementary,School,Kids,Using,Tablet,Computers,In,Class
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Many school districts across the state await the outcome of this month's election, which includes bond packages to fund tech refreshes and IT updates among many construction and other projects.

Austin ISD is looking to pass a $2.44 billion bond that will include construction updates and modernization of campuses. The district seeks a student and staff device replacement and refresh that includes delivery, white glove service, setup, replacements, warranties and accidental damage coverage. Other items are presentation display upgrades, peripherals such as headsets and chargers, enterprise architecture and network infrastructure. A detailed list of projects is published on its website.

Lamar CISD’s bond package includes Proposition C, intended for technology purchases at a cost of $16.7 million, according to its website. This includes replacement of student and staff laptops, desktop computers, iPads, flat panels and digital signage. Proposition B includes $189 million for a new career and technology center serving some 15,000 students. There are multiple propositions in the package including safety and security and construction of four elementary schools.

Spring Branch ISD in October announced that it took $307 million of bonds to the market in October. Bonds will yield $323 million and support 2017 projects and fund 2022 projects. The 2022 projects total $14.9 million to fund the replacement and refresh for secondary student devices and districtwide teacher devices, according to its website.

Additional districts with developing opportunities such as bond elections include technology infrastructure, device refreshments, security upgrades and other updates include:
  • Boerne ISD
  • Fredericksburg ISD
  • Lake Travis ISD
  • Leander ISD
  • Northside ISD
  • Texas City ISD
Rae D. DeShong is a Dallas-based staff writer and has written for The Dallas Morning News and worked as a community college administrator.