Technology Standards
If the items to be donated are new or used technology, call NCS first. Do not accept computer equipment and supplies without contacting NCS first with a list of specifications and the intended use.
No District Support or Repair for Personal Owned Technology: A gentle reminder that the district does not support or repair personally owned technology.
"When should I replace my computer?"
Technology does not last forever. It is often not required to have the latest, best and fastest technology. Technology standards help in the selection of the proper technology to perform the work and control purchase and replacement costs. Total cost of ownership (TCO) includes not just the equipment, but professional development, support, service and software licensing over the life of the technology. As computers age, parts such as the power supply or fan may fail. In mobile devices, battery life will fade over time. The district works to standardize on a 3-year warranty. In year 4 of the life of computer, a department or school should budget for replacement of the equipment in year 5. Network equipment and peripheral devices such as printers usually have a longer life span. Other factors weighing into whether to replace technology include changes in industry technology standards, compatibility with newer versions of operating system, hardware, software.
Laptop computers from the 1-1 computing project era (2007) often have etching on the lid and should be considered for surplus. Teacher desktop computers were refreshed in 2014-2015. If you have a computer over 5 years old that requires more than an hour of service (for repair or software-hardware upgrade) or comparable value in parts, that computer is Beyond Economical Repair (BER) and should go to surplus. Older non-BER computers can be repurposed at the school site. As computers age, the likelihood of parts failing and need for service increases. The point where service to a computer (technician time, replacement parts) exceeds the value of the computer is when a computer should be replaced.
Technology Standards help improve the effectiveness of use of technology. Support and training can be focused on supporting a selection of technologies. Volume discounts can be leveraged for large purchases of technology from vendors. Sales and product line changes may permit purchase from vendors at lower prices than listed below.
When To Replace Technology (e.g. Computer, Printer): Technology requirements or changes may require specialized or more powerful computer systems. For example, Adobe Creative Cloud has specific system requirements to run properly. Replace a computer if it is Beyond Economical Repair (BER) (defined below).
Beyond Economical Repair (BER): Definition: If you have a computer over 5 years old that requires more than an hour of service (for repair or software-hardware upgrade) or comparable value in parts, that computer is Beyond Economical Repair (BER) and should go to surplus. Older non-BER computers can be repurposed at the school site. As computers age, the likelihood of parts failing and need for service increases. The point where service to a computer (technician time, replacement parts) exceeds the value of the computer is when a computer should be replaced. BER documentation required to be attached in BEST with purchase of replacement: E-mail from NCS technician stating reason computer is BER, what is broken, etc. (Age of computer is not sufficient to qualify for BER)
Technology Standards: The following are the recommended technology to perform the majority of work, teaching and learning activities. Purchases of technology not on the technology standards list and/or exceeding the cost of technology standards listed require approval of Associate Supt. - Business Services OR designee. Pricing is provided as a budgeting estimate and may change with model updates, sales, discounts, specials, vendors, etc. Peripherals, such as stylus, cables, power supplies, headphones, are not listed but can be purchased without approvals. Purchasing Dept. makes all purchases and may substitute a replacement or equivalent model if a model is retired or out of stock.
**Updated 9/19/2023**
To purchase technology listed below, enter information on BEST purchase requisition - no tech plan or approval of Assoc. Supt. -Business Services needed. Purchasing will assist in finding vendors/resellers if product unavailable with some vendors.
