Oklahoma School District Seeks Bonds for iPads

Students in Oklahoma County Independent School District No. 1, Okla. will swap their textbooks for iPad tablets if voters approve a $6 million bond issue at the Feb. 12 election.

Approval of the bond package would require an increase in the district’s property tax of $36.52 for every $1,000 now paid in school taxes.

The district, which serves the northwest portion of Oklahoma City, eventually would buy 10,000 iPads with the proceeds. The current inventory includes 2,600 iPads.

The proposal includes an initial step of buying enough of the devices to provide one for every four students. Eventually the district hopes to have an iPad for every two students.

If voters approve the bond proposal next month, the district will buy several thousand iPads this summer to begin the phased implementation.

Superintendent Paul Hurst said the devices allow teachers to customize lessons for each student.

“This is different than building a wing onto a building or adding classrooms or athletic facilities,” Hurst said. “All of these items will be in the children’s hands and they will use them every day to learn.”

Oklahoma County ISD No. 1 has $900.8 million of assessed property values. The district’s GO debt is rated A-plus by Standard & Poor’s.

District voters approved an $80.6 million bond package in November 2009.

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