By Kate Robak
Calendar Editor
And Maddie Nerad
Staff Writer
As Apple Development Executive Cheryl Lee of the Apple Education Recognition Program recognized the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for its outstanding incorporation of technology into the classroom, Manhattan Beach Middle School science teacher Stacy Cooke spoke out against the acceptance of the award.
According to MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews, teachers were asked to speak in favor of the iPad program but declined the offer.
“I am appalled by the prospect of this school district rejoicing in the commercial success of a consumer giant while teachers are being let go due to spending on the same corporation’s highly profitable foreign-made products” Cooke said. “Please consider declining acceptance of this award out of respect for your teachers in this district.”
Although Chevron grants paid for the initial iPad program, MBUSD has spent an undisclosed amount of money on technology and teacher training related to iPads. Many teachers, including Cooke, are concerned that these funds are being misused and contributing to teacher layoffs.
While Matthews believes that the teachers are a priority, it is important to recognize the use of technology.
“I am the one who delivered the layoff notices to each one of the teachers, but also the one who told them that the number-one priority of the Board is to bring each one of them back” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said. “That being said, we are very proud of what our teachers have done with technology. When we submitted our application to Apple, it was about what our teachers have done.”
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