CCSD21 to purchase 2,300 Acer Chromebooks for 2025-26 school year

As part of its planned replacement cycle for student-issued Chromebooks, Community Consolidated School District 21 has inked a $967,150 order with CDW to purchase approximately 2,300 Acer Chromebooks.

The district strives to keep its devices on a consistent refresh cycle to ensure the performance, compatibility, security and usability meet the needs – and aligns with – modern student learning and the professional needs of staff.

“Our investment in these new Chromebooks reflects our commitment to providing every student and staff member with reliable, up-to-date tools that support learning and teaching,” said Mike Frantini, chief technology officer. “Staying on a consistent refresh cycle ensures devices remain compatible with evolving educational technology, allowing us to maintain a high standard of digital access across the district.”

The decision came after the district received proposals from multiple vendors for HP, Dell, Asus and Acer Chromebooks. Main factors considered in the selection process included price, durability, functionality, security and performance benchmarks.

According to Frantini, these devices provide higher performance than the district’s previous model, come in a durable design, and include a convenient HDMI port. The order also includes a three-year warranty and the required Google licensing.

The devices will be set up over the summer and deployed to students for the start of the 2025-26 school year.