Lowell School Committee - November 4, 2026

The Lowell School Committee met on November 4, 2026. Procurement-related discussion included approval of a permission-to-enter item for Apple devices, listed at $375,497.83 for approximately 1,750 units. Members debated the purchase/lease process and the fact that the full committee had not previously taken a formal vote; the administration said Apple’s price had increased by $50 per unit after a November 1 deadline, a potential additional $87,500. The superintendent also noted that leases longer than three years require City Council approval. The item passed by roll call. The committee also discussed a $54,775.50 increase to an existing Cotton School Inc. contract due to a rate increase, and reviewed other out-of-district education costs, including an item for the Learning Center for Deaf Children; the transcript does not clearly capture all amounts.

A motion passed requiring the finance department to provide year-to-date general-fund expenditure updates at the first committee meeting of each month, including appropriations, transfers, revisions, expenditures, and encumbrances. The committee also accepted FY27 awards and approved a donation from the Justin J. Watt Foundation, and separately approved an out-of-state conference request for Stocklosa to receive a national award. Other business included minutes, home education, and student recognition; no additional contract awards or vendor selections were clearly identified.