Memphis parents complained of a school laptop shortage. Now MSCS wants to buy 25,000 more.
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. Memphis-Shelby County Schools leaders on Tuesday proposed a mid-year purchase of 25,000 laptops for high schoolers after parents complained that a sudden change in district technology policy this…
Memphis-Shelby County Schools leaders proposed purchasing 25,000 new laptops for high school students after parents complained about a sudden change in the district's technology policy. The previous policy assigned each student a laptop or tablet for online classes and testing, but the change was made unilaterally last August. This abrupt shift left teachers and families scrambling, with some students lacking devices from home.
Additionally, many of the district's pandemic-era laptops are aging out or broken, according to Chief of Business Operations Tito Langston. The district currently owns approximately 260,000 devices, but a significant portion of these are no longer functional. MSCS board members will vote on a $22 million purchase later next week.
The new devices are expected to arrive before the start of standardized testing in February 2027. High school students will be able to check out laptops temporarily, rather than receiving a 1:1 assignment. The purchase will also cover 1,500 laptops for teachers. Board member Michelle McKissack commended the district for addressing parent concerns, while Superintendent Roderick Richmond mentioned that district leaders are working to improve IT procedures and support from Apple.
A staff member will be appointed at each high school to manage the laptop inventory and identify missing or broken devices. The $22 million purchase includes an accidental break warranty from Apple for each device.
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