ICYMI: D58 Board To Vote On Buying $1.4M Of iPads For Kids

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Controversy is stirring in Downers Grove as District 58 weighs the idea of leasing new iPads for many of its students. The school board will vote on Monday, June 11, on the measure which would cost $1.4 million and provide iPads to kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, My Suburban Life reported.

Many parents think it's a waste of money, while others say the district needs to keep up with the latest technology.

Those in support of leasing the iPads say that as our society is based more on technology than ever, kids need to be using it. Amy Vogt, a parent of an Indian Trail Elementary student and a teacher in Oak Park, said "We’re only going to keep adding technology... it's a part of society today," My Suburban Life reports.

The students' older iPads can't handle the curriculum the district just approved, Vogt said.

But those opposed to the upgrade think $1.4 million is too much to spend on iPads. They argue the district hasn't made the case that the new iPads will lead to better academic success. They believe the money could be better spent elsewhere like professional development, higher salaries, facility improvements and more.

My Suburban Life reported that according to the proposal, kids in grades 3 through 6 will get iPads with keyboards, grades 1 and 2 will get iPads without keyboards, and kindergartners will share one iPad per two students.

The meeting and expected vote will take place at 7 p.m. at Downers Grove Village Hall at 801 Burlington Ave.

See more at My Suburban Life

Article image Solis Images via Shutterstock