NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County Schools plans to upgrade some of the technology being used by students.

During a special meeting Monday morning, the county Board of Education voted unanimously in approving a recommendation from Superintendent Dan Enich to enter into a lease-purchase agreement to acquire 2,500 iPads, in an effort to replace existing equipment currently distributed to youth enrolled in the school system.

“The iPads are from 2020,” Enich said, referring to the models currently in circulation within the schools. “We need replacements.”

The school district purchased 3,000 iPads in 2020 as part of a technology initiative spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing alternative ways for students to obtain school assignments during periods of remote learning.

The new lease purchase would be for the iPad 11 model, also known as iPad A16, at a cost of $1.3 million – or approximately $27,000 per month.

Funding will be provided through the Step 7 and Tools for Schools programs.

“It’s a state grant that comes every year,” Finance Director Joe Campinelli explained, saying plans are to put in an order for the iPads this week with delivery expected within four to six weeks.

The iPads will have a keyboard accessory, which school officials explained will provide an additional benefit for classroom work as well as standardized testing.

Specific applications will be added to the devices based on the grade level to which they are distributed.

“They’re ready to go out of the box,” said Steve McKinney, technology director.

Enich explained McKinney and Kasey Arnott, director of facilities and maintenance, had been involved in reviewing potential devices.

The lease will be for a four-year period, with a warranty available for the full term.

It was noted the new purchases will be primarily in use for students in the third through 12th grades, with those in kindergarten through second grade using any devices in good condition currently held by the district. Keyboard accessories will be purchased for those devices.

Enich said Pre-kindergarten pupils won’t have a use for the devices.

Board Vice President Ed Fields asked if there were any concerns if a student damages the iPad, with Enich explaining the devices are covered under the school district’s Authorized Usage Policy, which is signed by students and parents.

Enich also said, in the event the devices are not returned to the schools, charges could be filed through Hancock County Magistrate Court.