The technology department of the Peninsula school district in Gig Harbor, Wash., has been taking proactive measures to avoid the impact of tariffs on student and staff devices. District chief information officer Kris Hagel revealed that they started stockpiling new devices as soon as they heard about the potential tariffs. With tight budgets and little room for flexibility, the district rushed to secure their purchase orders to avoid price increases.
The Peninsula district is not the only one facing the challenge of rising costs due to tariffs. School districts across the country are also trying to purchase devices early to mitigate the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariff plans. Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs on nearly every nation in April sent shockwaves through the U.S. stock and bond markets. While most of the steeper tariffs have been walked back, tariffs on goods from China remain at 145 percent, with other tariffs in effect for goods from Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
Experts predict that the tariffs will impact the prices of essential electronics like Chromebooks and iPads, which are necessary for schools to operate smoothly. Since most of these items and their parts are manufactured outside the United States, they will be subject to the imposed taxes.
Michael Boreham, the lead K-12 analyst for Futuresource, noted that the tariffs come at a challenging time for school districts. Many districts are in the process of making significant refresh decisions, particularly with regards to replacing student devices that are reaching the end of their useful lifespans. With the typical lifespan of a Chromebook ranging from four to seven years and iPads lasting around five to seven years, districts are facing tough choices.
Boreham suggests that some districts may delay their replacement cycles and extend the use of current devices if the tariffs continue as planned. This is complicated by the fact that federal COVID relief aid, which was used to purchase school devices, is coming to an end. Some districts may even have to reconsider their 1-to-1 computing programs, where every student has a school-issued learning device.
Before the pandemic, most school districts did not have 1-to-1 computing environments. However, the shift to remote and hybrid learning during the pandemic led to an increased demand for low-cost devices like Chromebooks. With tariffs threatening to raise prices, districts are facing tough decisions on how to navigate the challenges ahead. The demand for student devices in schools has been on the rise in recent years, with a significant increase in 1-to-1 computing environments. In August 2019, only a third of district leaders reported having 1-to-1 computing environments, but by March 2021, 90 percent of district leaders provided a device for every middle and high school student, and 84 percent did the same for elementary school students. As of February 2025, only 3 percent of educators stated that their school/district did not have 1-to-1 computing, marking a significant shift in the education technology landscape.
However, the challenge lies in the longevity of these devices in the hands of students. District technology leaders have noted that many districts replace student devices every four or five years, with some considering extending replacement cycles due to increasing costs. The wear and tear on devices, especially in the hands of students, can lead to failures and breakdowns after five years, posing a challenge for districts.
The recent tariffs on imported technology products have also impacted the cost of device parts, making repairs more expensive for school districts. This has led to some districts considering passing on the repair costs to students’ families, which could further strain budgets. Districts also have to factor in the costs of upgrading other essential technologies in schools, such as interactive displays, paging systems, and network infrastructure.
In light of these challenges, districts are urged to reevaluate their 1-to-1 computing programs and make strategic decisions about the future. Questions about the goals of the program, its impact on academic outcomes, and the necessity of devices in all grades should be considered. Districts should also plan for future budget constraints and price increases in order to sustain their technology initiatives.
Overall, the landscape of education technology is evolving rapidly, with districts facing new challenges in providing devices for students. It is crucial for districts to adapt to these changes and make informed decisions to ensure the success of their technology programs. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky as people went about their daily activities in the bustling city. The streets were filled with the sounds of honking cars, laughter, and chatter as pedestrians hurriedly made their way to their destinations. It was just another typical day in the city, or so everyone thought.
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