Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Seaman USD 345 proposes 75 iPads to pilot elementary transition to tablets
Summary
District staff proposed purchasing 75 iPads (15 per elementary) at an estimated $34,000 from capital outlay as part of a phased plan to transition elementary classrooms from MacBooks to iPads by the 2026 school year; the board discussed timeline and piloting plans but did not take an immediate vote.
District teaching and learning leaders described a proposal to purchase 75 iPads with keyboard cases and AppleCare as an initial pilot step toward transitioning elementary classrooms from MacBooks to iPads.
Megan, the district's teaching and learning presenter, said the district already has iPads in kindergarten and first grade and is proposing a phased rollout so teachers can prepare instructionally. "We are looking at transitioning to iPads at the elementary level," she said, adding the full shift would not occur next school year but is planned for the 2026 school year. The plan calls for "iPad carts" with 15 devices per elementary so teachers can check devices out for targeted lessons and build familiarity before any full classroom set decision.
Jeff, who presented the budget details, told the board the purchase request is for 75 new iPads (2025 model) with recommended keyboard cases and AppleCare; the district already has carts but some wiring updates will be required. "So you're looking at about $34,000 out of cap," he said. He explained the 75 devices would be folded into a future four‑year lease purchase and would reduce the quantity needed in subsequent purchases.
Board members asked clarifying questions about grade levels for the pilot, instructional benefits and timing; staff said a technology audit in the coming fall will determine appropriate device counts per classroom and that this initial purchase is intended to give teachers time to test lessons and adapt instruction. No formal board vote to approve the purchase occurred during the meeting; trustees asked staff to return with formal procurement language and a timeline for review and potential approval.
