better government association

BGA sheds light on CPS $1.6M no-bid deal to buy remote learning laptops, iPads

ByABC 7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Weekend Watch: Better Government Association sheds light on Chicago Public Schools $1.6M no-bid deal to buy remote learning laptops, iPads

A Better Government Association report sheds light on a $1.6 million Mayor Lori Lightfoot backed-deal to purchase remote-learning devices for Chicago Public Schools, some of which

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Our Weekend Watch shines a spotlight on government activity.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Chicago Public Schools needed computers and tablets.

After a recommendation from Mayor Lori Lightfoot the district bought used laptops and iPads from one of her donors under a $1.6 million no-bid deal, the Better Government Association reported. But some did not work for remote learning.

CPS officials said they bought the used computers in April to meet an "urgent need" as schools scrambled to get devices to students and the district's traditional vendors faced backlogs.

Yet more than a third are still sitting in a district warehouse as backups, a Chalkbeat/Better Government Association investigation has found.

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