ACADEMY STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATION
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Discuss, consider and act to approve WA Resolution 25-13, authorizing the Head of School to enter into a 3-year $1 buy-out lease agreement with Apple Financial Services for the acquisition of hardware, software licensing, and services 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 during the 2013-2014 school year in Grades 4-6 with the purchase of 170 Apple iPad Mini tablets for students and faculty. In 2014-2015, the program expanded to include Grades 1 through 12 with the acquisition of an additional 640 iPad Minis, along with network hardware, software, and equipment management tools.
In 2016, the iPads were replaced with 1,020 iPad Air 2 tablets, and new laptops were purchased for Academy staff. In 2019, 1,050 iPad 6th generation tablets with keyboard cases and 125 MacBook Air laptops for staff were leased. 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 lease will expire on June 30, 2025. At that time, all equipment must either be returned to CSI Leasing, purchased, or renegotiated under a new lease at a reduced cost.
DISCUSSION:
In April 2025, staff contacted Apple Inc. to obtain quotes for new hardware, software licensing, and services for the One-to-One initiative. Apple, as the sole-source provider for Apple hardware in education, offers preferred pricing on bundled hardware, licensing, and services-more favorable than obtaining these components separately.
Apple quoted a total of $788,541.45 for the hardware, licensing, and services package.
Staff then contacted both CSI Leasing and Apple Financial Services for lease options. Apple Financial Services provided the most competitive offer: a 3-year lease with a $1 purchase option at 0% interest. Under this arrangement, the school retains ownership of the equipment at the end of the lease and may trade it in for credit or cash through Apple’s Trade-In Program for Education. The program also supports responsible equipment disposal.
This leasing option represents a cost savings of approximately $50,000 per year-roughly $150,000 total over three years-compared to the proposal from CSI Leasing. The total lease cost with Apple Financial Services will be split into three annual payments of $262,847.15, due at the beginning of each fiscal year.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact is $262,847.15 per year for 3 years, totaling $788,541.45.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of WA Resolution 25-13 as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
WA Res 25-13
Apple Financial Services lease proposal
Apple Inc. Education Price Quote for hardware, licensing, and services
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