Auburn School District Decides All Kindergartners Need iPad 2 (VIDEO)

A Maine school system may be adding the iPad 2 to its list of mandatory kindergarten classroom items, with the district footing the bill.

The Auburn Schools Committee voted unanimously to provide all kindergartners with an iPad 2 next year. Each subsequent kindergarten class would receive individual devices as well, CNN and WGME report.

It would cost the district about $200,000 next year, with Apple cutting them a deal by charging $475 per iPad. Superintendent Tom Morrill says the district will find the money in the budget and through grants.

"What we're seeing is that this is an essential tool -- even more important than a book. It's a learning tool they need to have."

Skeptical community members say the kids are too young to take care of an iPad and that they simply don't need it.

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