Board OKs Computer Lease Financing Plan

The Kirkwood School Board Monday night approved a computer lease and financing plan as part of the district's annual rolling-replacement project.

Apple Financial Services will finance approximately $350,000 of the district's lease for the 2008-2009 order. At 2.9 percent, its financing rate was the lowest of seven companies that responded to the district's request for proposal (RFP).

"We were very pleased to get that rate, with the way things are in the economy right now," said Assistant Superintendent Mike Havener. Rates from other companies that responded to the RFP ranged as high as 7.3 percent.

Kirkwood will pay up front a third of the final cost of $523,000, which will put 317 new computers and 33 new ActivBoards in classrooms across the district next year. Software, warranties and other products are also included in the purchase.

The remaining two-thirds of the lease will be financed through Apple for two years.

As the uncertainty in the national economy grows, some board members urged the administration to consider scaling back or adjusting the size of the computer lease in future years.

Administrators say they are also exploring other cost-saving steps, such as increasing the amount of time computers are leased before being replaced by new equipment.

http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-i-2008-12-19-83660.113117

Email to a friend email

Print version print

Comments

Business Financial Services

Board OKs Computer Lease Financing Plan