G-E-T schools to sell back current iPads early

The Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District will receive new iPads while also saving money in the future, according to school board conversations last week.

The school district typically has a four-year lease agreement with Apple for its iPads that are used by students, but the company recently reached out to the school district offering to buy back the iPads in year three of its current agreement.

Cary Brommerich, district business manager, said Cat Ellingson, IT director, spearheaded the change, which will pay for the first new payment in full — Apple is giving the district credit for $222,005 related to the current iPads, and the first payment is estimated to be $219,750.

In addition to making the first payment, selling back the devices early will also reduce the district’s annual payment by $35,000 a year while getting new devices in the process.

Moving forward, the district expects to pay $148,674.17 each year for its iPad lease agreement.

The motion was approved unanimously by the board with little discussion.