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Indianapolis Public Schools to buy 21K laptops and iPads for students

Posted at 4:59 PM, Apr 30, 2020
and last updated 2021-09-30 07:16:14-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools announced Thursday the district will invest millions in equipment for its students.

With the money, the district plans to buy 14,000 Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12 and 7,000 iPads for K-2 grade.

Purchasing the 21,000 devices will cost the district $9 million. The district is also spending an extra $3 million for mobile hot spot services.

The district plans on using federal funds through the CARES Act, district dollars, and grants cover the costs.

IPS hopes to have every one of its students equipped with a mobile device by fall. A task force was created by the district to help map out the details for digital learning.

"We want to make sure we are equipped to be as nimble as possible because we don't know what the future looks like in terms of this health crisis," Aleesia Johnson, IPS Superintendent, said. "Even when we are allowed back into our school facilities, that at some point and time have our teachers and students back in their homes."

IPS said that they understand some students already have equipment at home, but the district wants everyone to have devices.