Replacement Bike Recc

So, in July, I had someone break into my apartment building, steal my KTM 690, and also take my step-son's 27.5 hardtail. He'd worked at a non-profit in the bay area over a few Summers ago, and they gave him the bike after the program was over. Any suggestions on what to replace it with? I think retail was around $1200. I don't need a boutique bike, and he's doing horrible in school. Kind of looking for something to motivate him. Size large.

Marin Pine Mountain is a hardtail in the $1200 range and the Rift Zone one is FS around $1500 right now. Hard to go wrong with Marin for a kids bike, decent spec, sturdy frames.

Looks like lots of stock is in for the AL frames and you might be able to wrangle a discount.