Sikeston School Board approves purchase of iPads

SIKESTON, Mo. — Continuing with the district’s implementation of Project iLearn, the Sikeston School Board approved the purchase of 270 iPads for the high school Tuesday during its regular monthly meeting.

The iPads will continue the expansion of the districtwide 1:1 initiative that aims to help all students learn more effectively and give them a tool that can help them learn anything at any time. The 1:1 refers to one mobile computing device for every student.

In making the recommendation to the board, district director of business services Lori Boardman said because it was a single-source purchase, the district posted on its website and in the local newspaper the required documentation because the iPads are available only through Apple Inc.

“This (purchase) was adopted as part of the budget last June as a continuation of our replacement cycle,” Boardman told the board. “These would be new iPads and cases distributed to incoming freshmen.”

The board approved the purchase of 270 iPad Air 2s with care plans and warranties for $154,710. They also approved the purchase of 270 iPad Air cases for $13,485. These iPads will be used for the incoming freshman class.