# Lowell Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee - October 7, 2026

The Lowell Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee met on October 7, 2026, to consider refreshing teacher devices and whether to lease or purchase them. The technology director recommended the lower-cost Apple MacBook Neo over Chromebook Plus devices, citing continuity with teachers’ current Apple operating system, compatibility with student iPads and assistive-communication tools, and software and storage needs. The proposed Neo package was approximately $787.50 per device, including white-glove setup and four years of AppleCare+; the higher-storage/fingerprint-reader configuration would add about $100. The district discussed a four-year lease-to-own plan at roughly $350,000 annually, with approximately $50,000 in financing costs, versus an estimated $1.378 million upfront purchase. Purchasing 630 devices was estimated at about $490,000. The director noted that the district also needs to refresh student and other staff devices and that a phased plan could make annual budgeting more predictable. Potential trade-in value for existing MacBook Airs was discussed at about $210 each, subject to inspection and not guaranteed.

Members discussed the devices’ useful life, the risk of delaying replacements for some teachers, and whether to refresh all teachers at once or in phases. The Apple representative cited a $100 educational discount from consumer pricing but did not commit to lowering financing costs; a committee member asked Apple to explore reducing the approximately $50,000 interest cost, with 1% suggested as a more attractive rate. The subcommittee passed a motion to advance the Apple Neo proposal to the full School Committee after obtaining further information about the interest rate. No final purchase or lease award was made at this meeting.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Information Technology
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Sources
- [Lowell Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee - October 7, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGTb_Vs0S7w) - LTCLowellMA