Kingsport School Board Approves $523K for 1,300 Student Chromebooks

The purchase will provide new Dell Chromebooks and Google Chrome licenses for 6th and 9th grade students.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of 1,300 Dell Chromebook 11 devices and associated Google Chrome licenses at a total cost of $522,691. The new Chromebooks will be distributed to students in 6th and 9th grades, with funding coming from the school district's general purpose funds.

Why it matters

The investment in new Chromebooks reflects Kingsport City Schools' commitment to providing students with the latest technology tools to support their education. As more learning shifts to digital platforms, ensuring all students have access to modern devices is crucial for equitable learning opportunities.

The details

The Chromebook purchase will cost $370 per device, plus $32.07 per Google Chrome license. The district is leveraging a cooperative purchasing agreement with Wilson County Schools to secure competitive pricing on the hardware and software. School officials noted the timing of the purchase is important, as prices can fluctuate, and the contract pricing is only guaranteed until February 3rd.

  • The Kingsport Board of Education voted to approve the Chromebook purchase on January 28, 2026.
  • The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen is set to finalize the purchase on February 3, 2026.

The players

Kingsport City Schools

The public school district serving the city of Kingsport, Tennessee.

Kingsport Board of Education

The governing body responsible for overseeing Kingsport City Schools.

Dell Marketing L.P.

The company providing the Dell Chromebook 11 devices and Google Chrome licenses to Kingsport City Schools.

Wilson County Schools

The school district whose cooperative purchasing agreement Kingsport City Schools is leveraging for this Chromebook purchase.

Andy Arnold

Chief Technology Officer for Kingsport City Schools.

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What they’re saying

“Utilizing cooperative procurement agreements often leads to increased efficiency by decreasing the amount of time it takes from requisition entry to product receipt.”

— Andy Arnold, Chief Technology Officer

“The public doesn't always see the advocacy, presence and guidance the school board members provide the school district aside from mandated duties such as employing the superintendent, granting teacher tenure, passing a budget and adopting policies.”

— Andy True, Assistant Superintendent of Administration

What’s next

The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen is set to approve the Chromebook purchase on February 3, 2026, finalizing the $522,691 investment.

The takeaway

Kingsport City Schools' investment in new Chromebooks for 6th and 9th grade students demonstrates the district's commitment to providing students with the latest technology tools to support their education. By leveraging a cooperative purchasing agreement, the district was able to secure competitive pricing on the hardware and software.