Seeking to upgrade technology opportunities for Parkland students, Assistant to the Superintendent for Operations Tracy Smith presented a $1.9 million request during the budget seminar for equipment and services to refresh the district's computers.

At a recent meeting, the board approved bids from suppliers of many technology improvements.

These include $559,371 to Integra One for 1,500 Chromebook laptops; $259,102 to Core BTS for network security upgrades; $120,000 to Applied Video Technology for television studio upgrades at the high school and middle schools; $89,012 to Apple Inc. for laptops and computer lab upgrades; $88,257 to Troxell Communications for computer lab upgrades; and $22,000 to CDW-G for computer upgrades.

These items will be paid for through the capital projects fund, available through a borrowing initiative.

Additional technical improvements requested by Smith for the 2015-16 term include $339,100 for software; $140,540 for telecommunications services; $249,000 for support services; and $17,000 for professional development.

These items are a $115,355 increase over the previous year.

The board turned to the capital projects fund for two types of security enhancements.

A bid of $301,696 was awarded to Simplex Grinnell for security upgrades to the door hardware at several schools and replacement of security cameras at the high school.

"The high school cameras will be converted from analogue to digital HD," Smith said.

In other business, the board granted approval for the administration to apply for $69,468 in the federal Title III allocation for 2015-16.

The amount will be applied to the English as a Second Language program.

Board President Roberta Marcus said the government's contribution is a small percentage of the $700,000 Parkland pays for the mandated program.

The board approved the following cafeteria prices for 2015-16: elementary lunch $2.45; secondary $2.65; adult $3.75; elementary breakfast $1.25; secondary $1.35; reduced price lunch 40 cents; and reduced price breakfast 30 cents.