UPDATED: Online Petition: District 5 Should Re-evaluate iPad Mini Purchase

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comment from the school district.

At least 24 people have signed an online petition Thursday calling for Lexington-Richland 5 to re-examine the purchase of iPad minis for the district's high school students to use beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. 

The petition, which appears to have started on March 22, poses several questions for the district as it works to integrate these devices into the classroom.

Some questions raised relates to the funding for the device, software, insurance and accessories, and why the district chose an Apple device over another tablet.

The school board approved the technology plan, which would allow teachers and students to use their own devices currently supported by the district's technology infrastructure. 

The iPad mini purchase, which would be funded through the district's capital budget, is part of a 5-year plan to equip all students and teachers with the technology needed to enhance and increase student learning. 

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 cost of the purchase of the iPad mini tablets, which totals $1.2 million, is included. 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.

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

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According to the petition, those persons who have concerns about the plan are not opposed to the use of the technology in the classroom. 

"While we agree with the district’s emphasis on producing students able to compete in a fast-changing 21st century global economy, we do not believe a one-size-fits-all approach to providing technology access is in the best interest of our students, educators or district."

Petitioners ask the district to think about implementing a pilot program before proceeding with the second phase of the technology plan. The first phase was the purchase of iPads for all high school teachers. 

While much time has gone into researching this proposal, it would seem prudent to schedule a pilot implementation program that would start with a few classes at each school or maybe integrating one school at a time. Another option would be testing both options at same or different schools to gain better perspective of how best practices may be employed. To integrate estimated 5,212 students and an estimated 150 8th grade teachers at one time seems daunting at best. Read the full petition here. 

The district's task force, which is made up of some teachers, staff, parents, school board members and technology experts, made the recommendations for board approval.

Mark Bounds, the district's public information officer, said the district had an open and transparent plan and that the task force reviewed "countless options" before making its recommendations.

He said the technology plan encompasses the best options for the district and that all members involved worked hard to make the best decision for the students. 

When asked about a pilot program, Bounds said the district couldn't "afford to wait any longer to get our students fully engaged in technology."

"Sometimes you need to move more quickly," he said. "We need to move now..."

Bounds said the plan also helps avoid a system of haves and have-nots since those students that own devices can still use them and the ones that don't will be issued one.

Karen Owens, a parent of two, said she is not opposed to the technology in schools, but would like to see the district address the concerns raised in the petition. 

Owens said she agrees with the district's goal to prepare students for a competitive global market, but thinks it's worth taking some time to look at the implementation of the plan.

The district is still working out the details including insurance options and accessories (cases or covers for the device) for the devices.

The district's next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 22 at Chapin Elementary School.

Are you going to sign the petition? Do you think the district should start a pilot program? What do you think about the purchase of these devices for student learning? Tell us in the comments.