What support is there for purchase of computers in the budget?
Because the Portland Public Schools budget has faced numerous budget challenges over the past few years, the funds allocated for textbook replacement and learning-based technology experienced consistent cuts. The district was unable to fill the gap in the fiscal year 2009 budget. Therefore, Portland Public Schools, upon approval by the Portland School Committee and Portland City Council, plans to fund both textbooks and learning-based technology through a $500,000 Classroom Improvement Bond. The purpose of the bond is to replace outdated and decaying textbooks and to purchase technology to facilitate both teaching and learning. Modern technology systems can not only connect students within a classroom, but also connect students to the outside world. In addition, such technology mirrors what many students will face once they graduate from high school. Items purchased through the annual bonds must last the length of the payback period (five years).
