District 5 High School Students to Receive iPad Minis

Lexington-Richland 5 is moving forward with the second phase of its technology plan, which includes the purchase of iPad minis for all high school students during the 2013-2014 school year. 

The $1.2 million purchase for the equipment is part of the district's 5-year technology plan that was outlined in Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner's Vision 2015 report.

Last year, the district purchased iPads for all high school teachers.

The 5-year plan calls for $3.6 million each year for the purchase of equipment for students and teachers as well as infrastructure upgrades.

The district will also purchase devices for all eighth-grade teachers at a cost of $100,000 and $2.3 million for infrastructure upgrades and other equipment for all schools this coming school year. 

The board has yet to approve a resolution for the technology equipment purchase lease.

The plan was created to equip all students and teachers with the technology that will enhance and increase students' learning for them to compete in a "global society" and enhance teacher instruction. 

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According to a report from the Superintendent's Technology Task Force, every student must be able to download instructional material, research reliable sources of information, upload their work, and participate in real-time online academic discussions.

The task force also recommends the district continue to allow teachers and students to use their own devices currently supported by the district's technology infrastructure. 

The board unanimously approved the plan Monday at a regular meeting. 

The purchase cost will be included in the district's capital budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, which totals $11,499,809. The board also approved first reading of the budget.

The proposed capital budget includes ongoing maintenance such as computer replacements, new initiatives such as the iPad purchase and equipment. (View a copy of the proposed budget in the attached document or on the district's website.)

A highlight of the budget includes $112,500 for the construction of a greenhouse and programs in veterinary science and biotechnology at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies.

In other action:

The board approved math textbook recommendations for elementary and middle schools.

A request to offer two courses — "Exploring the E's" and "Sociology of Sport" — at Spring Hill High was unanimously approved. 

The board also approved a resolution for the issuance and sale of 8 percent capital bonds not to exceed $12 million. The funds would be used for capital improvements and remaining bond referendum projects.

The board's meeting was the first one held without board member Kim Murphy participating as a trustee. 

Murphy did, however, attend the meeting and spoke during public participation. Murphy, who will appeal the board's decision to remove her from the board, urged members to revisit the discussion on streaming the meetings live.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include another part of the task force's recommendation.