Parents tell KIBSD to review 1-to-1 iPad program after reports of heavy classroom use

Kodiak Island — Two parents used the assembly/school-board joint work session to press the Kodiak Island Borough School District on its 1-to-1 iPad program and to urge a review of device use in younger grades.

Caller Brenda Schwannes told officials she had researched the district program and questioned why pre-K through sixth-grade students are issued iPads for classroom instruction when some teachers use them minimally. “From my understanding… 1 to 1 meaning every student in the district receives an iPad, pre-K through grade 12,” she said, and suggested the district consider eliminating or narrowing the program to save about $1.5 million.

Parent Leanne Harrington said a random visit to Peterson Elementary found her first-grade child using an iPad for roughly two of six school hours and reported finding games and selfies on the device when she inspected it. "My 6‑year‑old was on an iPad for 2 out of 6 hours that day,” she said, adding that she pays for a private tutor because her daughter is falling behind.

Board members acknowledged the public concern and noted the board has discussed device and technology strategies. Board member Mike Litzel said the board has considered setting aside $500,000 for a technology refresh to cover teacher laptops and to address long-overdue device needs. The district did not announce an immediate policy change at the meeting; officials said device provisioning, classroom usage, and program costs are matters the board will continue to evaluate as part of the broader FY27 budget conversation.

Parents who raised concerns asked the district to provide clearer tracking and transparency on how student devices are used in classrooms and to consider age-appropriate restrictions. The board and administration said they would include technology decisions — including possible targeted deployment and teacher-device investments — in upcoming budget deliberations.