The purchase of 50 refurbished laptop computers was approved this week by the Suttons Bay Board of Education.

The board Monday night approved the recommendation of technology director Tim Smith to purchase 50 HP DC7900 laptops from Systems Liquidation Inc. of Plainwell, N.J. at a cost of $10,950.

Three companies responded to the district’s requests for bids and 14 separate proposals were submitted. The lowest, also from Systems Liquidation Inc., was for $6,450. The highest bid, from Dynamic Computer Corporation of Farmington Hills, Mich., was $18,210.

Superintendent Mike Murray explained that the laptops in the school’s two computer laboratories are now three years old and are in need of replacement. The new laptops will replace those retired from use in the computer labs. Older units which are still functioning will be put into use at the district’s online learning center in Jackson, Murray said.

The new laptops have a three-year warranty.

“It was the lowest price for the best computer,” business manager LeAnn Eustice said.

In other business during the 37-minute meeting Murray updated the board on efforts among school districts in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District to form an insurance consortium to cut costs.

Murray said that because Suttons Bay is considered a small pool for insurance purposes, it is at a disadvantage when it comes to securing competitive bids for insurance premiums.

“MESSA’s Blue Cross coverage per family is $22,000 for us and the same policy in (Traverse City Area Public Schools) is $13,500,” the superintendent said. “A bigger pool equals less money.”

The district’s contract with its certified staff states that the administration will seek bids for insurance each January.

— By Amy Hubbell