Students in the Knoxville School District are due for some new computer hardware, but what type of computers they’ll get has yet to be decided.

The school board met Monday night and discussed options for an agreement with Apple to provide computers for students to use; one question is whether every student at all grade levels can get one, or if some of the students in the lower grades will have to share units.

Another possibility is only providing iPads for students; at least one student objected, saying the lack of a proper keyboard would make using an iPad problematic for older students trying to write.

Board Chairman Andrew Schmidt says the matter was introduced as an action item because Apple offered a $13,000 discount if the deal could be completed by the end of the quarter this week.

But board members agreed to table the issue while there is further examination into cost, the number of units and what type would be best suited for students at all levels to use. The matter is expected to come up again for discussion at the April 8th meeting.