(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved the purchase of new laptops for students in grades 6-12.

Superintendent Todd Evans said in continuing the district's 1:1 technology inititive, the board Monday evening approved the purchase of 550 laptops at a total cost of $473,000 to replace the exising iPad devices. The laptops will be purchased with a grant from two federal funds

In other business, Evans said the board accepted the resignations of two longtime district employees. Wetmore teacher Linda Boyd will be retiring at the end of the current school year. She has  has taught English, speech, journalism and theatre at Wetmore High School since 1980. Also accepted was the resignation of Kathy Kesler, who has been working with the food service program at Sabetha since 1989.

Evans said the Board also recognized two outgoing board members. Ed Reznicek has served on the board since 2003--including as board president from 2010 to June 2021. Ann Shaughnessy has served on the board since 2018.

Anissa Bloom was elected during the November general election to replace Reznicek and Phillip Buessing was elected to replace Shaughnessey.

They will take their seats on the board in January.