By Bonnie Washuk,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – While the original intent of the laptop program was for kids to take the computers home, Lewiston and Auburn students aren’t allowed to do that.

When the school department buys used laptops, that can’t-go-home policy will continue in Lewiston.

But Auburn students will be allowed to take the used laptops home, said School Superintendent Barbara Eretzian. Students will check out laptops in a manner similar to how they check out library books, she said.

School board policy doesn’t allow that in Lewiston, said Joe Julias, director of technology for the Lewiston School Department.

Lewiston School Committee members are concerned that the computers would not be returned in working order, Julias said.

As envisioned by former Gov. Angus King, “The state has always wanted them to go home,” but it’s a school choice, said Jeff Mao, state coordinator of education technology.

King wanted to ensure that all students – including those from poorer families without home computers – have access to computers. “That’s the whole point of equity, to have the resource at their fingertips,” Mao said.

The state will continue to work with schools to encourage policies allowing students to take the laptops home, Mao said. State policy now says schools must “consider” having students take laptops home.

Before Lewiston allows that, the school department has to work with families to ensure they’ll be returned in working order, Julias said.

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