What budget cuts? Schools give five-year-old children 'essential' iPad 2s... because they are 'more important than books'



All children in a Maine school district are to be given taxpayer-funded iPad 2s after the superintendent decided they are ‘even more important than books’.

The Auburn Schools Committee has voted unanimously to provide all kindergarten children with an iPad 2 at the cost of about $200,000.

The bizarre giveaway comes after the school district superintendent decided the gadgets were an ‘essential tool’ for learning.

Giveaway: All kindergarten children in Maine school district Auburn are to be given the sought-after gadgets costing $475 each because they are 'essential'



'More important than a book': Schools district superintendent Tom Morrill, who retires at the end of the year, said the children need to have an iPad 2

The extravagant scheme, which is costing $475 per student, is likely to cause anger among taxpayers at a time of budget cuts.

Superintendent Tom Morrill, who retires at the end of this year, said the school district will find the money in the budget and through grants.

‘What we’re saying is this is an essential tool. It’s even more important than a book, it’s a learning tool they need to have,’ he told local station WGME.

Learning tool: Teachers said the gadgets have helped improve attention among students as they are taught basics including numbers and the alphabet iPad 2: Auburn Schools Committee voted unanimously to provide the devices ‘You’re looking at a tool which is highly interactive, is limitless as far as the information goes and what we know is different 'apps' are being developed as we speak.

‘We’re going to turn over every stone to figure out exactly what’s available to make sure we have these in kids’ hands.’

Mauri Dufour, one of the teachers who is already using the gadgets with her class, added: ‘Phenomenal learning is going on with the students, with engagement, the attention to task and their willingness and excitement to learn their letters and learn their alphabet sounds.’

Too young: Local residents have criticised the plan saying the devices, which will cost $200,000 in total, are not necessary at a time of budget cuts

Costly: The school district said it will pay for the iPad 2s from money in the budget and grants

Local people who are opposed to the giveaway have said that the children are too young to take care of an iPad and that the devices are not necessary.