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CMS won't spend $10 million on iPads

by ANN HELMS / The Charlotte Observer

WCNC.com

Posted on March 12, 2012 at 2:41 PM

A few days after saying a teacher iPad project had $10 million in county money behind it, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials told the school board theyll spend less than half that amount.

Last week, CMS notified teachers they can apply for innovation kits that include an iPad for each teacher and up to 10 per classroom. Its part of the districts push to use digital technology for learning in 2012-13, when all schools will have wireless internet access.

When the Observer asked about the cost of the teacher iPad project and the source of the money, spokeswoman Tahira Stalberte said Wednesday it was approximately $10 million, which would include training and technology infrastructure upgrades. But in a weekly report to the school board Friday, interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh said the $10 million will cover five technology projects, with the iPad project expected to get less than half.

The memo said the other areas are upgrading computer labs in middle and high schools, maintaining classroom LED screens, installing wireless internet and creating a projection system for science classrooms. It said Hattabaugh will notify the board when his staff decides how to spent the $10 million in one-time technology money.

The money is part of the 2011-12 budget. Hattabaugh will present his plan for a 2012-13 budget Tuesday.

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CMS won't spend $10 million on iPads