Boise School District's Five-Year Apple Device Strategy: What Staff Need to Know

Dear Boise School District Staff,

Last night, the Boise School District Board of Trustees agreed to move forward with planning for a five-year strategy to transition the district to Apple devices. I want to share what this means, why our district is moving in this direction, and what our staff can expect as planning continues.

This strategy is about more than changing devices. It is about providing students with world-class learning tools, creating a more consistent technology environment, strengthening support for teachers, and building a more sustainable long-term device model. The cost of PCs and Chromebooks has increased between 30% and 60% over the past six months due to market pressure and scarcity of computer parts caused by AI data centers, and market indicators suggest those increases will continue. With that concern in mind, the district expects this strategy to save approximately $1 million over five years, based on current estimates. 

While some may question the decision to adopt an Apple device strategy during times of financial uncertainty, this plan provides stability for budgeting purposes, while saving the District approximately $1 million over five years. Our district already has an ongoing responsibility to replace, maintain, and support student and staff devices. This plan is intended to make that work more predictable, better supported, and more aligned to teaching and learning.

A key part of the plan is the support that comes with it. Apple will provide teacher training, professional learning, deployment support, and behind-the-scenes assistance with storage, maintenance, readiness, and coordination. The plan also includes AppleCare coverage, which will help reduce repair burdens, provide more consistent support, and improve the overall device experience for students and staff.

Our district will begin with a pilot during the 2026–2027 school year. That pilot will allow us to learn from staff and students before moving to a broader districtwide deployment in the 2027–2028 school year. Feedback from pilot schools will help us refine training, support, device management, classroom implementation, and communication.

The device model will also be age-appropriate. Younger students will continue to use technology in targeted, developmentally appropriate ways, while older students will have access to devices that support productivity, creativity, coding, media creation, assessment, and college and career readiness. Students in grades K-2 will have access to an iPad, and students in grades 3-12 will have access to Macbook Neos. Staff will receive Macbooks aligned with their job needs with the option to remain on a Windows device.

We know staff training and readiness will be essential. This will not be a “drop off the devices and hope it works” rollout. The plan includes Apple-led professional learning, district support structures, technology leads, pilot feedback loops, and time to refine implementation before scaling across the district.

More information will be shared as timelines, pilot locations, training opportunities, and deployment details are finalized. Thank you for your continued work to support students and for the important role you will play in making this transition successful.

Sincerely,

Ryan Gravette
Chief Technology Officer
Boise School District