“Gov. John Baldacci’s plan to expand the laptop program into high schools raised one major question Wednesday: How will the state pay for it? To launch the program in the ninth grade this fall, the state Department of Education plans to take money from its Revolving Renovation Fund until more permanent funding can be established, Education Commissioner Susan Gendron said. The fund normally is used to pay for improvements to school facilities and has a balance of about $28 million,” Susan M. Clover reports for MaineToday.com.

“Baldacci’s office and the Department of Education released more details about the planned expansion of the program Wednesday, one day after the governor announced it during his State of the State address. The announcement caught legislators by surprise and received mixed reviews,” Clover reports. “Rep. Arthur Lerman, D-Augusta, said it’s a great idea if the state can find the money. ‘That doesn’t mean there isn’t merit to the notion, but where do we fit it in?’ Lerman said.”

“The current program includes 37,000 laptops in all seventh and eighth grades in the state. The state contracts with Apple Computer for wireless networks, computers, warranties, service and training for teachers in the state’s 240 middle schools,” Clover reports.

Full article here.