By: Rishab Muhammad

Christopher Baker, IT specialist for the high school, explained that the removal of desktops was part of a long-term plan to modernize the district’s technology system. “Pre-COVID, we started to go full mobile. Every student, every teacher got a mobile device. The reason we removed all the desktops was because we don’t need every single employee and student in the district to have more than one device available to them—it’s just financially not possible,” said Mr. Baker. 

According to Mr. Baker, the shift to laptops and tablets has eliminated the need for fixed desktop setups, which previously required constant maintenance, licensing renewals, and hardwired internet connections. He said, “The cost of those computers was enormous. It wasn’t just the cost of replacing a desktop—it was the cost of maintenance, annual licensing, and programs like Microsoft Windows. When you already have a laptop, why do you need two?” The decision affects all ten schools in the Syosset district, not just the high school. Mr. Baker estimates that the overall cost savings from removing the desktops and their supporting infrastructure range between $1 million and $2 million. Those funds, he said, can now be redirected into upgrading mobile technology and improving wireless networks. 

Despite some initial challenges in adapting to the new setup, Mr. Baker believes the transition has been beneficial. “I think it was a very good idea. It was going to be a hard change for everyone, but the cost savings and flexibility make it worth it,” he said. The district’s newer classrooms now rely on wireless smart technology, allowing teachers to connect their laptops directly to projectors and screens without logging in or out of shared desktops. Mr. Baker emphasized that this not only saves time but also makes teaching smoother. While some students have expressed frustration over the disappearance of library computers, officials maintain that the district’s one-to-one device policy ensures that everyone still has access to technology. Mr. Baker said, “We’ve moved forward—now every student and teacher can bring their technology with them, wherever they go.”