DPS Board Considering $5.3-Million Classroom Tech Proposal

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Durham Public Schools could spend more than $5.3 million over five years to replace aging classroom projectors with nearly 2,000 interactive panels.

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education will consider a lease-purchase agreement with Ockers Technologies during its work session today - Thursday, Aug. 13. The proposal calls for the purchase and installation of 1,996 86-inch TouchView interactive panels.

DPS says about 75% of its more than 1,900 classroom projectors are more than 14 years old. Those projectors have become increasingly unreliable, disrupting instruction and limiting access to digital classroom materials.

The Ockers agreement would include installation, staff training, a five-year warranty, accidental damage protection, and replacement support. The district would pay about $1.06 million a year, with a total cost of no more than $5.3 million.

DPS received 22 proposals from 14 vendors. Cost accounted for 30% of the evaluation, while technical compatibility, support, warranty coverage, and vendor experience made up the other 70%.