ST. PAUL — School districts across the Twin Cities are trying to put iPads, laptops or other tools in the hands of students, but many are finding that financing the devices is an issue, and they are trying creative ways to fund technology improvements in the schools.

Educators have asked state lawmakers for funding for hand-held devices, but those requests haven’t been addressed. So many districts are turning to levies or other approaches.

“Our world is changing, our tools are changing, but there is nothing in our school funding structure to address that,” said Lisa Snyder, superintendent of Lakeville schools.

In the past few years, districts such as St. Paul, Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake have won voter support for money to buy personalized technology. But similar requests have been defeated in Stillwater, West St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights.

Some are finding that parents are skeptical. Camille Feng, a parent with three children in St. Paul Public Schools, said she worries a plan to give every student an iPad means teachers will have to compete for students’ attention.