Mesa school district board approves $300K increase for technology contract

The Mesa Public Schools governing board approved a $300,000 increase in a contract for technology products and services during its July 23 meeting.

It passed 5-0 as part of a multi-item consent agenda.

The request was made by Michelle Hamilton, director of purchasing at MPS. The contract, made through Omnia Partners, uses Howard Technology Solutions, and was originally approved for the amount of $295,000 on July 1.

The increase will bring the contract up to $595,000. The contract will be used for purchasing various technological equipment including laptops, software licenses, engineering equipment and more.

“The district plans to use this contract for a range of technology hardware, encompassing software licensing, laptops, tablets, multi-purpose room equipment, engineering design, and consulting services for staff and students,” the board memo said. “Omnia is the contract we utilize to purchase from Howard Technology, which is currently offering a better pricing structure than other vendors, so we will be increasing the utilization of this contract to ensure we are making the best use of district funds...Without this contract increase, the district would lack crucial support for its technology hardware needs.”

MUSD — also known as Mesa Public Schools — is the largest public school district in Arizona and has six high schools, nine junior high schools, 55 elementary schools and 18 choice and success schools.