With K–12 schools across the country facing increasing budget constraints, technology leaders are turning to leasing as a way to sustain their educational technology programs without breaking the bank. This topic took center stage at the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition, where a panel of education and financial experts explored how leasing devices could offer a practical solution to budget shortfalls while ensuring students have access to modern learning tools.
The session, led by Colleen O’Donnell, senior vice president of state, local, and education at Insight Financial Services, featured insights from Lacey Gosch, assistant superintendent of support services at Judson Independent School District; Cassandra Salinas, technology director at Lockhart Independent School District; and Amber Teamann, director of technology and innovation at Crandall Independent School District. The discussion revolved around the strategic advantages of leasing technology, from cost predictability to equipment reliability.
As federal relief funds dwindle, school districts are under immense pressure to sustain their technology infrastructure while balancing competing financial demands. The panelists emphasized that purchasing new devices outright isn’t always the most cost-effective option, particularly when considering the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacements.
Gosch underscored the financial burden of managing in-house IT repairs. “If I’m trying to handle repairs internally—and I’ve done it before—the only way to keep up with demand is by hiring 10, 15, or even 20 additional staff members. Then I have to budget for replacement parts and storage space, and that quickly becomes unsustainable.”
Beyond routine maintenance, schools must also account for the growing demand for multiple devices per student. Salinas noted that modern schools require at least two-to-one or even three-to-one device ratios to account for loaner devices, extra Chromebooks for testing, and spares for administrative needs. “When designing a new elementary school, I had to ensure that technology supported flexible learning spaces rather than confining students to traditional classroom setups,” she added.
Faced with a $1 million budget cut, Gosch explored alternative technology funding solutions and found that leasing devices was a game-changer. Initially, she considered buying refurbished student devices, believing it to be the most cost-efficient approach. However, after crunching the numbers, leasing emerged as the more sustainable option.
“I lease everything,” she stated confidently. “It allows us to maintain a predictable budget while ensuring students have access to the latest and most reliable devices.”
Salinas, whose district leases 97% of its technology, emphasized the flexibility leasing provides. She no longer worries about device pickup, storage, or disposal. By partnering with Insight Financial Services, her district has even been able to resell outdated devices to teachers, reducing waste and ensuring educators have access to quality equipment.
The panelists outlined several key benefits of leasing for schools navigating budget limitations. Leasing helps schools spread expenses over time, preventing sudden financial strain. Schools can refresh their devices regularly, preventing students from using outdated equipment. Instead of managing repairs in-house, leasing agreements often include technical support and maintenance. Leasing allows districts to adjust their technology needs annually based on enrollment fluctuations. Schools can ensure proper recycling and disposal of old devices through vendor agreements.
By embracing leasing as a long-term strategy, schools can avoid the financial pitfalls of large capital expenditures while ensuring students and teachers have access to essential technology.
The conversation at TCEA 2025 highlighted a crucial reality—technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity in education. As budgets continue to tighten, schools must explore creative funding models to maintain digital learning environments. Leasing provides a scalable, cost-effective approach to future-proofing education.
“If we don’t plan smartly,” Gosch warned, “we risk failing our students by not providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.”
With more school districts facing financial uncertainty, leasing may soon become the go-to solution for sustaining educational technology programs. By thinking strategically, schools can balance budget constraints while equipping students for the future.
