Los Angeles school administrators announced that their plan to put iPads in the hands of every student will cost even more than expected — about $100 extra per device.
The cost increase is just the latest bad news for LA Unified School District’s iPad program, which has already irked many parents who don’t want their children on the hook for damaged or lost devices. (RELATED: LA schools give every kid an iPad—what could go wrong?)
Each iPad was supposed to cost the district $670, but that price actually includes a 14 percent discount. The discount doesn’t kick in until officials buy 520,000 devices, however.
But some parents at participating schools aren’t sure they want the program to continue. Over 70 kids have already lost their devices, and contradictory school and district policies never made clear who was responsible for replacements. Additionally, 300 students found ways around their iPads’ security settings, leading administrators to ban their use outside of school.
Still, district officials are happy with the program, and said “We are right where we want to be,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
The district’s iPads actually cost more than retail devices. At $770 a piece, they include a limited warranty policy and protective casing.
LA schools plan to spend over a $1 billion on the project.
The district did not immediately respond to a request for comment.