§17203.__School technology plan

Beginning September 30, 1999 and annually thereafter, each school administrative unit must submit a school technology plan in accordance with rules adopted by the department.__These rules are routine technical rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

Sec. 6. Allocation. The following funds are allocated from the Other Special Revenue funds to carry out the purposes of this Act.

1999-00 2000-01

EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF

Maine School Technology Fund

All Other $5,000,000 $5,000,000

Provides funds to be distributed to school administrative units on a per pupil basis equal to $25 per student. Funds may be used by the units for the purchase of computers, computer equipment, software or staff training.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes the Maine School Technology Fund, the funding for which will be provided from annual transfers of net state lottery revenues. The current pace of technology dictates that computers are often out-of-date not long after being put into service. Even though computers used in schools are generally productive for a longer period than those used in business, repairs and updates are frequently required, and the computers quickly lose their effectiveness as educational tools. This bill will assist schools in maintaining an ongoing technology replacement program and will provide assistance to school staff in the use of instructional technology.