[NewsPoster]

The troubled Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) iPad program seems to be finally coming to a close. In a tentative settlement, the district will receive $6.4 million in compensation, with Apple on the hook for $4.2 million in cash. Additionally, computer manufacturer Lenovo will waive payment on $2.2 million of computers already in the district's hands. The reclaimed funds will be used to procure more technology for the district in a competitive bid process that Apple has participated in previously.

The LAUSD entered into a contract with Apple in 2013 for the iPads and Pearson for the curriculum, as part a $1.3 billion initiative to supply devices to its staff, administrators and approximately 650,000 enrolled students, funded by bond sale. The schools covered included all grades, from kindergarten through high school, and targeted students who otherwise would not have access to the technology. The bulk of the total cost was a fixed $678 per iPad, which came pre-loaded with Pearson e-textbooks and other educational apps. Each iPad came with a three-year warranty.

David Holmquist, general counsel for the LAUSD sent a letter to Apple in April claiming that it "will not accept or compensate Apple for new deliveries of curriculum." Curriculum provided by Pearson was part of the Apple contract, and provided English language and mathematical educational materials for the iPads. "As you are aware, LAUSD is extremely dissatisfied with the work of Pearson," said Holmquist in the refund demand. "While Apple and Pearson promised a state-of-the-art technological solution ... they have yet to deliver it."

While MacNN isn't privy to specific figures or the contracted amounts, we have been told from a source inside the district that the price paid per iPad actually delivered with educational materials compared to what has been paid to Apple to date is still below what Apple charged at retail for an equivalent amount of iPad 2 and 3 units at the time of release, including the additional cost for Pearson's curriculum. The total contract, including support costs, was $1.3 billion.

In a memo to the LAUSD's board of education obtained by the LA Times, Superintendent Ramon Cortines said that "there are many schools that have not received devices, but that nonetheless have a need for instructional technology and innovative ideas for how to use it. The $6.4 million in proceeds represents an exciting opportunity to invest in such schools and to promote collaboration among campuses."

[Mechanic]

what an absolutely huge group of bumbling idiots the LA school district has.

[Inkling]

Apple deserves an award for attempting to do business with blundering, big-city school districts like the LAUSD. I'm just not sure if the award should be for courage or folly.

[Mike Wuerthele]

Well, similarly, Inkling, I think the $4.2 Million is Apple saying "oh god, will you SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR BOTCHED PROGRAM already?!"

[DiabloConQueso]

"Additionally, computer manufacturer Lenono will waive payment on $2.2 million of computers already in the district's hands."

In light of the recent Lenovo spyware/crapware debacle, I'd say that's just about the most fitting and accurate typo one could have made.

[Mike Wuerthele]

Indeed.