At a meeting of Fife Council, Fife Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Councillor James Calder asked about how many iPads and other tablets were removed from Fife’s Schools due to Council policy in the last two academic sessions. It was revealed that over 1500 iPads were removed, which if were to be replaced now with the current Apple Stock would cost over £500,000.

Councillor Calder has said,

Schools such as Masterton Primary in my ward have lost their iPads despite them still being useful for the school. These were also funded through the work of their Parent Council.

While the Council Policy notes that they weren’t supported by Apple anymore, I would argue that they could be disconnected from the internet and still be used.

Not only would this cost over £500,000 to replace, an eye-watering amount, but it is hitting our children’s education and flying in the face of our commitments to environmental sustainability.

I am calling on the Council to review their policy and I am pleased the Education Spokesperson responded positively to this call.