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Board pauses approval of Verizon/Digital Promise iPad program after branding and marketing debate
Summary
Staff described a two‑year Verizon Innovative Learning Schools partnership providing iPads, coaching and internet access to three middle schools, but the board declined to approve a requested waiver for branding on donated protective cases and tote bags pending further negotiation; commissioners proposed buying district cases if necessary.
The San Francisco Board of Education on Tuesday paused action on a proposed two‑year partnership with Digital Promise and Verizon that would place roughly 1‑to‑1 iPad devices in three middle schools and deliver professional learning, site‑based instructional technology coaches and research support.
Chief Technology Officer Melissa Dodd and Chief Academic Officer Brent Stevens told the board the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program offers more than $3,000,000 in combined technology, internet access and implementation support for Denman, Hoover and Roosevelt middle schools, plus a research and evaluation component. The program as presented would include donated protective cases and tote bags bearing a Verizon Innovative Learning logo, and staff asked the board for a limited waiver of Board Policy 1325 (advertising and promotion) to accept the marked cases and associated event signage.
That request prompted sustained public comment and vigorous debate among commissioners. United Educators of San Francisco president Lita Blank warned against allowing a corporation to 'buy' student loyalty and objected to any appearance that teachers would be asked to promote a corporate brand. Commissioners raised concerns about safety (branded bags identifying students with devices), the marketing implications of logos on student devices, and whether professional development might be co‑opted by a corporate partner.
Several board members suggested alternatives: accept the devices but have the district purchase unbranded cases at an estimated cost of about $68,000; allow small, event‑only signage for a launch but remove ongoing branding; or negotiate to cover or replace logos. Staff said some timetable pressures exist because device rollout is scheduled to begin late in the month and that some materials could jeopardize the rollout if the partner withdraws them. The board directed staff to return with revised options and did not grant the waiver that night.
