Catasauqua Area School District Superintendent Robert Spengler believes it is time for the district to upgrade its technology.

At the Dec. 9 board meeting, Spengler urged board members to consider a new lease of its technology infrastructure through Apple Inc.

"It's really time for us to talk about change and how we have our technology set up," he said.

Spengler recommended the school district distribute laptops or iPads to each student, an approach implemented by other local school districts in the area, such as Salisbury and Saucon Valley.

The proposal would cost the district roughly $650,000.

According to Spengler, the last time the district purchased mass technology was in 2005, when the high school was built.

Using laptops and iPads would eliminate the need would eliminate the need for physical textbooks which, Spengler said, are costly and become outdated every few years. It would also allow students to work on assignments from virtually any location, at any time.

Board member Christine Naegel said she was not prepared to vote on an issue without first reflecting on it. She said she needs at least a month to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal.

Board member Dawn Berrigan said she is opposed to the district providing laptops and iPads to each student.

"I have a problem spending this much money when students have their own technology at home or on their phone," she said.

Berrigan recommended the district set up an agreement whereby students in Catasauqua who do not have ready access to technology can use the resources at local libraries, such as Allentown.

Board member Don Panto expressed reservations with the purchase and distribution of technology devices to each student and the parameters of managing or overseeing proper usage. He said, however, the district must seriously consider upgrading its technology platform.

"We have to take a deep breath and move forward," he said. "I don't know how comfortable I am with the vulnerabilities out there, but I have to respect that."

Board member Carol McCarthy said she is not ready to vote on adding the technology.

"I think I just need a little more details," she said.

Spengler told the board the past few years the district has shortchanged technology. He said the district should have at least $200,000 to $350,000 reserved for technology items, but in this year's tight budget, no money was allotted to technology.

Board President Penny Hahn said the district has not funded other areas as well, including its aging fleet of buses.

"I think we're really turning the corner on something like this that is big," Panto said.

Spengler said an online needs survey completed by members of the community earlier in the year revealed technology is one of the major issues residents would like the district to address.

At the meeting, board members were tasked with putting together a list of questions regarding their concerns and presenting them to Spengler so he can provide the board with more information at next month's meeting.

The board will hold its next meeting 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in the district administration office board room, 251 N. 14th St.