Photo by Sally Y. Hart

The Washington High School will be upgrading their 1:1 computers for each student and staff member this year. Technology Director Jeff Brock explained the current MacBooks were purchased in 2012 and he learned the current machines have a higher market value than staff expected. He spoke at Wednesday’s school board meeting that they evaluated Chromebooks, as well, but found it’d have a harder transition with the current software and classroom requirements.

Apple has offered the district a three year lease at 0% interest for 11 inch MacBook Airs, and a $90,000 discount if they’re purchased by the end of March. The total purchase cost for all of the high school 1:1 machines and staff is $606,784.75, with an annual payment of about $202,000. On the other hand, the district will receive about $185,000 for trading in the current laptops, depending on the condition they’re in.

The board approved the agreement to move forward with the trade-in and purchase of new MacBooks.