Update on Cellular Connectivity for Student iPads in the 2026–27 School Year

On Feb. 11, 2026, Omaha Public Schools shared with all staff and families that cellular connectivity for student iPads will end with the 2025–26 school year.

Beginning in summer 2026, student iPads will connect to the internet through Wi-Fi only.

We are deeply committed to our students’ success. Every student will continue to receive a Wi-Fi-enabled iPad for learning.

We came to this decision based on extensive research and input. Over the past 18 months, a team of staff from schools and district offices carefully reviewed how students use their district-issued iPads.

This included looking closely at data on whether, and how, students use cellular data for academic work outside of school. The team also studied family survey feedback and gathered input from teachers and school leaders.

When our district first offered cellular connectivity for student iPads, the cost was covered by emergency pandemic funding for schools, called ESSER. That funding ended in September 2024, and the cost of cellular data moved to our district’s general fund.

At the elementary level, staff shared that iPads are primarily used in classrooms where Wi-Fi is available. Many elementary schools already keep devices at school. Homework is rarely assigned at this level, and educators are increasingly thoughtful about limiting screen time for younger learners.

We understand that secondary students more often rely on their iPads for homework, research, and accessing platforms like Canvas, Teams and Infinite Campus. Our research found that many students already had access to connectivity and did not rely on the cellular connectivity that was provided.

To support students who may need internet access for specific assignments, each school will have a limited number of iPads with cellular connectivity available for checkout. Schools will share details about this process with families in the fall.

While staff started the review process before an error by the Nebraska Department of Education created a budget gap for the 2026-27 school year, the limited data use and need to identify budget savings were an important part of our final decision.    

We value open communication and wanted to share this update as soon as a decision was made. If you have questions or feedback, please contact Bryan Dunne with our Information Management Services team.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Charles Wakefield

Chief Operations Officer

Omaha Public Schools

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Omaha Public Schools making this change?

Omaha Public Schools evaluated the actual usage and need of cellular internet on all student iPads. Based on these findings, it was not fiscally responsible to continue paying for cellular connectivity that was not being used for academic learning. 

How did Omaha Public Schools reach this decision?

Our workgroup, consisting of dozens of staff representing technology, curriculum, school leadership, and schools, met five times between March 2025 and June 2025.  This team gathered and reviewed connectivity usage rates (district-wide and by zip code), access to Wi-Fi by zip code, input from principals, the curriculum requirements at each grade level, instructional practices, input from the Moonshot workgroups and the cost of providing connectivity for all 52,000 student iPads.

When is this change taking place?

June 2026 (following the end of the 2025-26 school year).

How were staff, student, and family voices part of the review and decision-making process?

The task force collaborated with principals to gather input from staff, students and fellow school leaders about actual usage and needs. Additional input from Moonshot workgroups guided the decision, along with data from previous family and community surveys.

What specific data was studied in reaching this decision?

Dozens of staff representing technology, curriculum, school leadership and more gathered and reviewed cellular data usage rates (district-wide and by zip code), access to WiFi by zip code, input from principals, the curriculum requirements at each grade level, instructional practices, input from Moonshot workgroups and the cost of providing cellular connectivity for all 52,000 student iPads.

Once our district learned of the projected budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year, the need to identify budget savings was also part of the decision-making process.

How were individual family needs considered?

We care deeply about every student we serve. Their needs and success are always at the forefront. Yes, the task force discussed how to best support families in need. This led to a plan to provide each school with a specific number of cellular-connected devices to assist identified families.  

How much feedback was sought?

Dozens of staff representing schools and district teams were part of the process. A number of school principals were part of the task force. Those leaders sought both verbal and survey feedback from other principals in our district. The group also studied insights from annual family surveys. The task force also reviewed how schools use student iPads, which revealed many elementary schools have not been sending devices home with students for some time.

What about families who do not have internet at home?

Each school will have a limited number of cellular-connected devices to assist identified families. Families without home internet access can also reach out to school social workers and explore community resources that may be available.

Is this a money, usage or screen time-driven decision?

All three factors, as well as the instructional and curriculum needs, were considered.  This is a data-driven decision based on the usage and the feedback from schools. It is important to note that staff started the review process and reached a decision to reduce the number of LTE-enabled devices before an error by the Nebraska Department of Education created a budget gap for the 2026-27 school year, but cost was a significant factor in the final decision.

What will students do on inclement weather days?

Starting with the 2025-26 school year, Omaha Public Schools transitioned away from remote learning on inclement weather days.

I would like my student to have a district iPad at home. Is that an option?

All students will continue to receive a district-issued iPad that connects to the internet using Wi-Fi. Elementary schools may choose to keep iPads at school in the evenings or send them home with students. Based on lessons being taught at school and a family’s individual needs, a limited number of cellular-connected iPads may be available. Please talk with your school’s social worker and/or principal as the 2026-27 school year begins.

Who should I contact with other questions?

Questions can be directed to Bryan Dunne, executive director of Omaha Public Schools Information Management Services, or your school principal.