At a Tuesday budget workshop, Haines Borough school board members questioned a technology initiative supported by the district’s administration that would provide laptops or iPads to students districtwide, including kindergarten.

Superintendent Ginger Jewell also has proposed hiring a “technology integration specialist” to help teachers use the new equipment in the classroom.

Several staff members – including some primary teachers – testified for the “Engaging the Future” initiative proposed by Jewell. But four of the board’s seven members expressed concerns,including about the cost, scale, appropriateness and public perception of the change.

Currently, all high school students have laptops, but computers and iPads are shared at other grade levels.

Staff members, including administrators, characterized technology upgrades as vital for students and time-saving for staff.

“We don’t have universal access at this point,” said principal Cheryl Stickler. “We live in the 21st century. Our students are growing up in the 21st century. It’s a sincere disservice not giving our students certain access.”

She characterized the benefits of technology in the classroom as tangible. “When I see a non-verbal student slowly understanding long division (through use of technology), I know it’s a success.”

But member Sara Chapell said costs of the change ($120,000 start-up cost and $75,000 per year in leases) were “staggering.” She characterized the initiative as a “champagne plan.”

First-grade teacher Sophia Armstrong spoke for the use of iPads and for hiring a technology specialist. “It seems like a champagne plan but for it to work, we need certain supports in place.” She expressed concern that a half-way approach to technology would fall short.

As an example, she cited math games she made on card stock that she assumed she’d be able to use for years.

But the following year’s class was further behind than the previous one, so she had to remake all the games to be easier. “We don’t want students to be on their iPads all day, but there are things we can make far better with technology.”

Much more than in the past, teachers are developing individualized lesson plans for students of differing abilities. That involves searching out other books or creating other materials on paper, which could be replaced by using an education “app” on an iPad. “This would be so much easier and save me so much time to meet students right where they need to be.”

Armstrong and longtime teacher Patty Brown said computers that are shared between classes tend not to be used.

Member Sarah Swinton suggested a phased-in approach to the idea, perhaps starting with computers for all students in grades 6-8. “I’m hearing parents who are concerned about this. They’re not ready to take a huge, giant step of having a computer for every student,” Swinton said.

Member Brian Clay said he’s heard from parents who said they would pull their students from the school if the initiative went ahead. He urged the board to take one year to convince the community the changes are needed. “If we just implement it, the fur’s going to fly.”

Parents, Clay said, are apprehensive because they don’t know how the technology will be used. “They’re afraid (their children) are going to be face-to-face with a computer from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” he said.

Board president Anne Marie Palmieri, a supporter of the change, said after the meeting she wasn’t discouraged by the discussion.

“This was the first opportunity for the full board to discuss this. We haven’t had the opportunity to sit down and talk about it and ask questions, including to delve into the deeper issues like ‘What does this look like at different grades? What are the real costs? Do we have to do it at one full sweep?’

“It’s something people have to wrap their brains around. It’s a big change from how we’re currently operating. It will take time,” Palmieri said.

She said she had not been contacted by parents concerned about the change.

Board members who raised concerns seemed to agree that they weren’t interested in using student computers at the kindergarten level.

Jewell noted that all the district’s high school students have had laptop computers for a decade. “It’s different for 5-year-olds,” said member Lisa Schwartz. “I don’t feel you need kindergartners with iPads. I have a problem with that.”

Board members also asked Jewell to develop a more detailed accounting of the cost of the change.

The board also discussed its budget for the coming year, estimated at $4.66 million, with a shortfall of $150,000 and reserve funds of $791,000.

A previoulsy projected deficit of $283,000 was reduced by cutting planned travel and shifting expenses to funding through grants.