Officials say school laptops were held up ahead of new academic year, hinting at possible wider issu

[SheltieLover]

https://www.localmemphis.com/mobile/article/news/health/coronavirus/student-laptops-late-delivery-over-manufacturer-issues/507-4181a5b5-b6de-42a6-a993-e2ba87233c2a

Alabama officials say 4,000 laptops were held up over manufacturer issues with one education official saying, 'I know that's not the only district.'

Author: Associated Press, TEGNA
Published: 11:47 PM CDT August 4, 2020
Updated: 11:47 PM CDT August 4, 2020

About 4,000 new laptop computers bound for an Alabama school district were held up over issues with manufacturers, weeks before the school year was set to begin with increased online learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to education officials.

It's sparking new worries among local education officials there that it likely could be an issue many school districts face across the nation as the first day of school approaches.

Alabama's Etowah County Schools Superintendent Alan Cosby said Tuesday that his district ordered the Chromebook computers in June through a reseller called Trinity3 Technology, which helps supply schools with remote learning technology. He said the district ended up canceling the order after attempting to resolve the delay.

The laptops were scheduled for delivery to his system this week, but the reseller informed district officials that the computers, manufactured by Lenovo, were being held by the U.S. Department of Commerce in customs because they also involved a separate electronics company that was accused of involvement in human rights violations in China, Cosby said.

Much more at link, including update saying Dept. Of Commerce said it is not holding computers.

Also states 20 other districts are in the same position.

Makes me wonder...

[LuvLoogie]

1. They should not have canceled.

Nobody else is going to get them 4000 Chromebooks all of a sudden. They don't get to jump ahead in another supplier's line of customers.