Board approves purchase of iPads for continuation of Project iLearn

SIKESTON -- Continuing with the district's implementation of Project iLearn, the Sikeston R-6 Board of Education approved the purchase of 270 iPads for the high school Tuesday during its regular monthly meeting.

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

In making the recommendation to the Board, R-6 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 since the iPads are only available through Apple Inc.

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

The Board approved the purchase of 270 iPad Air 2 Wi-FI 64 GB (10-pack) 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.

For the complete story, see the Wednesday edition.