The South Pike County School District in Murfreesboro, Ark., home to 700 students and recognized as an Apple Distinguished School program, has seamlessly integrated technology into its educational framework. Leaders there say a key player in their success is Diamond Assets, a partner that ensures a hassle-free process for both educators and students when upgrading the district’s iPads every two years.
Chad Brinkley, the Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher for the district, says the time saved while working with Diamond Assets has set the tone for future collaborations.
“All we had to do was get our devices into a room, and they [Diamond Assets] came in and did the rest for us,” Brinkley said.
Due to the pandemic, the district faced the unique challenge of a drive-thru collection for iPads. Despite the challenge, Brinkley says Diamond Assets turned the situation into an opportunity for enhanced efficiency.
“They took photos of how we organized the devices for them, and they agreed that this is how it should be,” Brinkley said. “Then they did the collection and shipping for us.”
This streamlined process allowed for the smooth preparation of devices, with 600 to 700 devices sold during the upgrade. The school district has used other technology partners in the past, but Brinkley says the process with Diamond Assets stands out because of the reliability and communication he has with the team
“With Diamond Assets, I feel confident that we are on the same page, the communication is personal, and I feel supported by their team.”
– Chad Brinkley, Apple Learning Coach and Apple Teacher, South Pike County School District
He says he now recommends Diamond Assets to other school districts because of the personal touch and understanding of the specific needs of each district.
“There is a trust thing when you are using a vendor, when they can provide the context to your specific district, that is huge,” he said.
The financial impact of Diamond Assets’ services is evident in the sustainability of the 1-1 device program at the district. Brinkley says the district utilizes iPads and other Apple devices to their full potential. Students use them in the classroom every day, so it has become vital to develop a sustainable technology plan.
“With the refresh cycle we have, we have realized that we are almost getting devices at two thirds the price because we purchase a three-year lease but refresh every two years.”
This cost-effectiveness allows the district to budget for devices like any other essential resource, ensuring the long-term success of their educational technology initiatives. Looking toward the future, Brinkley says Diamond Assets’ involvement means minimal disruption to the district during tech turnovers.
“The ease of Diamond Assets being able to come in and handle the technology piece for us gives us the freedom to focus on education and instruction,” Brinkley said.
The South Pike County School district’s commitment to seamless iPad upgrades, coupled with Diamond Assets’ efficient processes and personalized communication, has created a model for other districts to follow. As they continue their journey, the district remains confident in the support and expertise provided by Diamond Assets, ensuring a technologically robust and educationally vibrant future for their students.