Technology Purchasing Guide

Nine Mile Falls School District  |  Spring, 2026

This establishes expectations for how staff may purchase technology hardware and software using any funding source. It is to ensure purchases are secure, cost-effective, and work with district infrastructure while enabling IT to support staff instructional needs. This applies to all Nine Mile Falls School District staff and entities that use district funds for technology purchases of any kind.

Requirements

• All technology purchases must receive IT approval before purchase, regardless of funding source.

• Supported devices and software are chosen by the IT department in collaboration with the requesting party. 

• All purchases come from an IT recommendation based on the needs of the staff member or department.

• Requests for exceptions must be submitted to IT in writing, with justification based on: instructional need, device manageability, network compatibility, and total cost of ownership. (see exception request process below).

• Non-standard devices are not supported except in documented edge cases that have been formally approved by both IT and administration.

• Subscription-based software must be reviewed and approved by IT and the finance office prior to purchase or use on district networks or devices.

• Grant applications that include technology purchases must include IT during the planning process before the grant is submitted to ensure proposed purchases align with supported solutions.

• Purchases made without prior IT approval may not receive technical support and could be subject to removal from the district network.

• IT will work proactively with staff to identify supported alternatives that meet instructional needs. Staff are encouraged to bring requests to IT early in the planning process.

• This guide applies to all staff and covers all funding sources, including but not limited to: classroom budgets, PTG/PTN funds, personal grants, and district grants.

Exception Request Process

Staff who wish to purchase a device or software not approved by IT must submit a written request to IT that includes the following:

• A clear description of the instructional need the technology will address,

• Evidence that no currently supported solution meets the need,

• Device or software name, cost, and proposed funding source.

Requests will be reviewed by IT and administration. Approved exceptions will be documented and added to the supported list where appropriate.

Contact & Resources

For questions, exception requests, or any other technology-related items, contact the IT Helpdesk:

• Email: ithelp@9mile.org

• Phone: x4357