The Garland ISD implemented a new $25 fee on the distribution of district iPads with the start of this school year.  Students and parents were notified of the new fee in early August.

The 2014 Bond Program covered the cost of the iPads, but now the devices must be maintained.

“There have been some fees associated with iPads with students not returning chargers and devices,” said Tyra Clayton, Sachse’s iPad 1:1 Instructional Coach. “So in order to be fiscally responsible, the district has assessed a technology fee, so they can sustain the program. If you can’t sustain the program, then kids won’t be able to use their devices.”

However, some students are not happy with the technology fee.

“I’m kind of upset about it because last year the iPads were free,” said junior Skylar Rheaume. “It’s not exactly my favorite thing to be spending money on, especially since schools require it.  It makes it difficult- especially for kids who don’t have the means.”

Families were not required to pay the full $25 at the beginning of the year. A $10 payment allowed students to receive an iPad and pay the remaining amount in installments.  Along with this flexibility, the district is looking at other creative ways to cover the maintenance costs.  A newsletter that was distributed to all high school teachers in early August stated, “Work is underway to establish scholarship programs funded by donations or grants.”

Even with the new technology fee, 2,197 students have opted into the program so far.