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Creighton board approves $2.8 million iPad purchase after debate on testing, device lifecycle and screen time
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Summary
After a lengthy discussion about bond rules, testing windows and classroom device use, the Creighton School District governing board approved a $2.8 million purchase of Apple iPads for district refresh by a 3–2 vote; two members voted no, citing effectiveness and timing concerns.
The Creighton School District governing board voted 3–2 to approve a $2.8 million purchase of Apple iPads to refresh classroom technology, resolving a debate over allowable bond uses, device lifespan and the role of tablets in instruction.
President Carrillo moved the purchase from a HOBY contract and Miss Shapiro seconded the motion; the board recorded nays from Mister Jones and Miss Marquez before the motion passed 3–2. The president framed the vote as a budget and lifecycle decision rather than a curriculum change.
Superintendent Mann explained technical and security reasons for replacing aging devices, saying the district is “approaching that date where operating system updates are likely going to be end of life for the models that we have,” and that aging iPads have diminishing battery life and security-update support. Technology staff (Russell Denault) agreed and noted that older hardware can stop meeting state testing and application requirements.
Board members questioned whether bond proceeds could be used for the purchase and how soon state testing must be completed. Staff said the purchase would be funded from a prior bond sale and noted a customary three-year expenditure expectation for some bond categories; staff also said the bond package allowed a 10% leeway across voter-approved categories. On testing, staff estimated a roughly two-week testing window and said devices must meet minimum specifications.
Opponents of the purchase cited concerns about screen time and instructional impact. Miss Marquez said she wanted assurance the devices would improve outcomes, noting research showing mixed results for tablets. Mister Jones and Miss Marquez voted against the purchase; they questioned whether a platform migration (to Chromebooks) or alternate procurement would better serve testing and keyboard skills for older students.
Supporters pointed to operational reliability and teacher training: presenters said the district had switched to iPads in prior years after evaluating student frustration with Chromebooks and that iPads remain more resilient in some classrooms. Staff described professional-development supports, guidelines to ensure intentional instructional use of devices, and tools such as Amira (an AI reading coach) that will run on district devices to support literacy instruction.
The board approved the purchase and directed staff to proceed with the HOBY contract purchase as presented. The motion and vote complete the approval; the purchase is funded from bond proceeds and will proceed through the district’s capital planning and procurement processes.
