Readers React: More fallout from the iPad problem

To the editor: Every new detail about the iPad debacle underscores Supt. John Deasy’s ineptitude and disrespect for teachers, students and schools. ( “Calls mount for new LAUSD inquiry,� Aug. 27, and “Can Supt. Deasy survive iPad fiasco?� Column, Aug. 28)

Of course iPads are missing and huge amounts of funds wasted. They were thrown at overcrowded, understaffed, overstressed and crumbling schools.

Now L.A. Unified will be indefinitely tied up with this deplorable scandal, more investigations, and then on to the next billion-dollar money pit.

We need a competent leader who actually listens to and supports educators while prioritizing safe, well-maintained schools and enriching curriculum. Why is that such a pipe dream?

Wendy Blais, North Hills

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To the editor: I am writing to express my appreciation toward The Times’ reporters and investigators for calling into question the legitimacy of L.A. Unified’s $1-billion iPad program.

As a public high school teacher for the district, I urge you to continue to shed light on the situation.

The Times must maintain its integrity by offering equal weight to both sides of every issue, and it must work to expose corruption and injustice in California’s public and private institutions for public benefit. Amid layoffs, underfunded school sites and lack of school supplies, and a stagnation in teacher salary, it is imperative this story should continue to be reported on extensively.

Susan Spica, Winnetka

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To the editor: The decision, and subsequent process to purchase iPads for every district student, was a horrible idea from the start. If Deasy really wants to level the playing field and allow access for our less-fortunate students to a rich and meaningful education and vital life experiences, I suggest filling every school with a well-rounded arts program. That would increase creativity and intelligence, rather than sap it, as these gadgets in the hands of adolescents often do.

Bradley Greer, Altadena

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To the editor: Who suffers the most from this fiasco? Students, children, kids who need what this district has failed to provide.

Only Luddites claim that students have enough experience with technology in their lives. In fact, many students are not proficient with today’s technologies in ways that provide access to college, professions and jobs. The need is real.

But Deasy, in his sweeping arrogance, believed that he could wave a wand and look like a magical provider, while in reality he was paving the corporate avenues to the district coffers so prominent in his vision of education.

Lynne Culp, Van Nuys

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To the editor: Executives of the L.A. school system apparently steered a billion-dollar contract to a former employer and big business, likely resulting in an incredible loss of funds from a botched deal.

Actually, it’s small businesses that create the greatest number of jobs in our country and are the basic framework of our free-enterprise system.

But if small businesses are excluded from contracting opportunities, we as taxpayers and as citizens suffer.

We must stop preferential treatment, and we must demand full disclosure and transparency in the disbursement of government funds. People have a right to know where their money is going.

Raymond J. Bishop, Tarzana

The writer is chairman of the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission.

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