Socorro ISD will keep K–8 devices on campus, convert inventory to Chrome OS for grades 3–5 after pilot

Trustees on April 16 approved a redesign of Socorro ISD’s student device program intended to reduce repair costs and limit take‑home loss or damage at lower grade bands.

Alice Ramos, chief technology officer, summarized a pilot that issued classroom sets instead of take-home devices at one middle school and said that repair rates fell; the district reports a roughly 11% break/fix rate at middle-school grade bands that had taken-home laptops. The approved plan keeps 1:1 take-home devices at the high school level only. For K–8: classrooms will receive shared device sets—eight devices per classroom in pre‑K, kindergarten and first grade; iPads will be provided to second grade (14 devices per classroom, two spares); middle schools will use classroom sets for instruction with devices remaining on campus.

Ramos said the district will convert older inventory to run Chrome OS and purchase 6,000 Chrome OS licenses to support grades 3–5; the conversion uses existing hardware where compatible rather than buying new laptops. The district emphasized training for teachers will be rolled out after the order is placed and once the board authorized the change.

Vote and follow-up: trustees approved the change (motion by Ms. Macias; seconded; voice vote in favor). Staff said they will coordinate with academics and counseling to ensure students complete required pathways and will provide teacher training timelines to campuses.

Why it matters: district leaders said the shift is intended to reduce repair and replacement costs, improve device availability in classrooms, and stabilize the inventory. Trustees asked for lead time for teachers to plan and for continued monitoring of repair and usage metrics.

Ending: The board’s approval authorizes staff to implement the redesigned device program and to proceed with licensing and conversion of compatible inventory; high school take‑home 1:1 remains in place.