ACADEMY STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATION
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Discuss, consider and act to approve WA Resolution 25-14, authorizing the Head of School to enter into a 3-year lease agreement with CSI Leasing for the acquisition of hardware to support the Westlake Academy One-to-One technology device initiative (Jason Power, Director of Information Technology)
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STAFF: Jason Power, Director of Information Technology
BACKGROUND:
The Westlake Academy One-to-One technology device initiative began in the 2013-2014 school year in grades 4-6, with a purchase of 170 Apple iPad mini tablets for students and faculty. In the 2014-2015 school year, we procured an additional 640 Apple iPad mini tablets, network hardware, software, and equipment management resources to extend the program to all students in Grades 1 through 12. In 2016, the iPad Minis were replaced with 1,020 iPad Air 2 tablets and new laptops were purchased for Westlake Academy Staff. In 2019, 1,050 iPad 6th generation tablets with keyboard cases and 125 MacBook Air laptops were leased for staff. In 2022, the Academy leased 1,100 iPad 9th generation tablets with keyboard cases, 125 MacBook Air laptops, and 75 Apple TVs for classroom use and digital signage.
This current lease ends on June 30, 2025. At that time, all leased hardware must either be returned to CSI Leasing, purchased outright, or renegotiated into a new lease at a reduced cost.
Apple laptops purchased in 2016 and 2019 have since been repurposed for student use in mobile computer carts. These devices are now 6 to 10 years old and are no longer reliable due to the lack of replacement parts and the end of software and security update support.
DISCUSSION:
Staff recommend retaining the 125 MacBook Air laptops from the 2022 lease, as they would serve as excellent replacements for the aging devices currently used in student carts. The same model is still sold by Apple and should continue receiving software and security updates for several more years.
Similarly, the 75 Apple TVs from the 2022 lease remain fully functional. Replacing them would add approximately $11,175 to a new lease. Therefore, staff recommend retaining these devices as well.
In April 2025, staff contacted CSI Leasing to explore options for buying out or renewing the lease at a lower cost for the MacBook Air laptops and Apple TVs. CSI Leasing provided two options:
•. Buyout Cost: $51,294.38 for all 125 MacBook Airs and 75 Apple TVs
• 3-Year Lease Option: $1,547.30/month, totaling $55,702.80 over three years
Staff recommend selecting the 3-year lease option.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal Impact is $1,547.30/month 3 years; $55,702.80 total over 3 years.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of WA Resolution 25-14 as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
WA Res 25-14
CSI Leasing proposal
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ACTION/OPTIONS:
1) Motion to approve
2) Motion to amend with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3) Motion to table
4) Motion to deny