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Seaman USD 345 staff propose phased elementary transition from MacBooks to iPads; district to pilot 75 devices
Summary
District staff presented a proposal to pilot 75 iPads (with keyboard cases and AppleCare) across elementary schools next year as part of a phased plan to transition elementary classrooms away from MacBooks after a planned technology audit.
District technology and teaching staff recommended a staged move to iPads at the elementary level and requested board feedback on an immediate purchase of 75 iPads to pilot classroom integration in 2025–26.
Why it matters: The shift is framed as instructional as well as cost-driven. Staff said iPads offer different classroom workflows (camera, annotation, creativity apps) and have lower repair costs compared with MacBooks, and a pilot would allow teachers to trial iPad-based lessons before any decision about a full refresh.
Proposal details: Staff proposed buying 75 2025-model iPads with recommended keyboard cases and AppleCare, at an estimated one-time cost of about $34,000 charged to cap outlay. The district plans to use existing charging carts (which will need rewiring or minor adapters) and to distribute the devices as 15-device carts at five elementary buildings so teachers can checkout devices for center work, partner activities and instructional trials. The full elementary device-resolution will follow a fall technology audit; if the audit supports 1:1 devices for some grades, staff would return with a lease proposal in December–January that would roll the 75 pilot units into the larger purchase and reduce lease cost accordingly.
Instructional rationale: Teaching staff said that iPad apps (Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand and annotation tools) and students’ familiarity with handheld devices make iPads a natural instructional tool, particularly for elementary grades. The district emphasized this would be an intentional rollout with instructional coaching, pilot support and teacher training during the coming year.
Board discussion and next steps: Trustees asked clarifying questions about grade-level rollout, carts and costs and confirmed the purchase fits within the technology budget as proposed. The board asked staff to complete the technology audit and return with implementation specifics before any large-scale refresh.
Ending: The board did not formally vote on a final district-wide device conversion at this meeting; staff asked for feedback on approving the pilot purchase and affirmed the larger refresh decision would follow audit results.
