Edina Schools Partnering with Best Buy for Technology Pilot Program

Edina Public Schools and Best Buy are entering into a unique partnership as part of the school district's eLearning² initiative, which is geared toward getting more technology into Edina classrooms.

Ninth-graders at Edina's two middle schools—South View and Valley View—will be able to take part in the pilot program, with Best Buy providing families with access to a menu of technology options and technical support services at a discounted price.

"We know that learning today does and should occur anytime, anywhere, and anyhow, and is not limited by what happens in the classroom. The combination of great teachers and personal technologies are the key to inspiring students to greater academic achievement and in becoming lifelong learners," Superintendent Ric Dressen said. "Through this exciting partnership with Best Buy, we are able to provide more access for our families to get the device and support that is right for their student’s unique interests and learning styles."

Edina Public Schools has been allowing secondary students to bring their own personal technology to school for several years now, so the new partnership is a natural extension of the eLearning² initiative. The district reports more than 800 middle schoolers currently bring some sort of learning device with them to school.

In looking for a partner to provide some financial backing for families who might have trouble providing technology to their students, Edina's Director of Technology and Media Service Steve Buettner said Best Buy was a perfect fit.

"It was natural for us to look to Best Buy, being a locally based company with a diverse inventory of products and a well-respected support services capability with its Geek Squad," Buettner said. "We are pleased that Best Buy was interested in exploring the power of this partnership."

In addition to reduced prices through Best Buy, the district is also developing a plan for families who have trouble affording a device. Students will have the option of checking out devices for use during the classes and at home, including internet access when the devices is used outside of the district's network.

George Sherman, senior vice president of Best Buy Services, said the company is "honored to contribute to the educational experience" in Edina.

"This is a customized solution that gives students and their parents a broad selection of devices, along with the support of Geek Squad, so that they're able to make the most of this technology to learn and grow as young adults," he said.

The Edina School Board approved a technology services agreement and co-branded website for the partnership during its regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 10. The eLearning² pilot program is expected to continue throughout the spring, according to district officials. 

South View Middle School Principal Beth Russell said the program is the next step for a district that already sees teachers integrating a substantial amount of technology into classrooms.

"We have some really interesting things already going on with technology, and this pilot will allow us to explore new ways to engage our students and get them excited about learning," she said.

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