Students in the Newton School District will only make up one of three days missed this school year due to cancellations. The school board unanimously approved Superintendent Tom Messenger’s recommendation to end the current school year on Friday, May 30th during their meeting on Monday night. As a result, May 29th will be the last day for preschool, while Newton teachers will work through Wednesday, June 4th. Superintendent Messenger says this calendar revision still keeps the district above the 1,080 hours of student contact time required by law.

The Newton School Board also unanimously approved a large chromebook purchase. District Technology Director Shane Wheeler is getting 425 new Dell Chromebooks with license and service from BlueAlly Technology Solutions for just over $162,000.

“We have bought from BlueAlly for the last two years at least. They are a reputable local company out of Des Moines. They have always done well with us.”

The BlueAlly price was lower than five other qualifying bids. The new chromebooks will replace the ones currently being used by students in second and fifth grade.