by Kerrick Shaw
District Approves $535K for iPads and MacBooks in 5–4 Vote
Students will be welcomed with new electronics next school year following the $535,000 funding approved by the GS School Board.
The decision, which followed a split vote of 5-4, will fund the purchase of updated devices and classroom technology designed to support student learning. The plan is part of the district’s ongoing effort to keep pace with the evolving demands of digital education.
The funding will provide 900 iPads for high school students and 65 MacBook Air laptops for teachers.
“We investigated multiple options for student use, including HP laptops, Google Chromebooks and iPads,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “Ultimately, the iPads met all of the instructional and learning needs and were the most cost-effective in building a four-year cycle of device replacement. The cost of the device includes a keyboard case, a plan for broken or replacement devices, and a buy-back plan at the end of the 0% lease.”
The total cost per device will be $513, according to Dr. Bissell; but this price will be discounted after the buyback by Apple in four years.
Although the vote was not unanimous, board members who supported the investment emphasized the need to modernize the district’s educational tools. Board member Ms. Kacey Byrne-Houser described technology as “vital” rather than a luxury.
The exterior of a students’ old laptop
Photo by: Kerrick Shaw
“It’s a smart, forward-thinking move that aligns with where education is headed,” Ms. Byrne-Houser explained. “This new approach not only saves money over time, but also supports sustainability and better tech management. I have a great deal of trust in our school administrators who spent considerable time researching and evaluating options before bringing this recommendation forward.”
In agreement, board member Mr. Brian Conway thinks the access to technology is essential, stating that the new electronics “will allow the district to ensure that the necessary devices are available.”
“Initially, I had reservations about transitioning from laptops to tablet devices,” Mr. Conway said. “However, after considering the inclusion of protective cases and keyboards, along with assurances from the administration that no additional technology would be necessary to facilitate the change, I ultimately supported it.”
While some board members opposed the purchase due to cost concerns, board Vice President, Mrs. Robin Savage, voted against the purchase based on the limited time board members had to fully review the details before voting.
“The main reason I voted against it is we were not given what I believe was enough time to review,” Mrs. Savage explained. “As a board member, I felt that we should have had a thorough discussion and had more time to review the proposal.”
Despite the differing viewpoints, the district will be able to move ahead with its technology replacement in time for the 2025–26 school year.
Students, who use the current laptops on a daily basis for everything from taking notes to submitting assignments, are especially eager about the arrival of the new technology. Sophomore Kelsey Wigfield said she found out about the purchase through teachers.
“I’m excited to have a working school device,” Wigfield said. “Our laptops now never wanted to load and are very slow; they freeze a lot, too. I know from having my own iPad that they work really well even if they’re not brand new.”
Students current laptop conditions
Photo by: Kerrick Shaw
Sophomore Grady Rizzo heard about the iPads from other students. He explained the new electronics will be “great” as he uses his laptop in nearly every classroom.
The implementation of this Apple package is one of the most significant steps in upgrading the educational process over recent years, going along with multiple upgrades underway at different buildings in the district.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t just about upgrading devices,” Ms. Byrne-Houser said. “It’s about investing in our students’ future, supporting our educators, and making sure our district stays ahead of the curve.”
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