The RSU16 School Committee has taken it upon itself to do an end-run around the taxpayers of Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls by implementing a mandatory $30 fee for the use of laptops by high school students at Poland Regional High School.

Laptops are used to provide basic education to all students, yet my daughter is being denied the use of one because I will not pay the fee. By not allowing her access to a laptop computer for use in class, the school committee has denied her right to basic education that other students are receiving.

The laptop program is not an extracurricular activity, it’s part of the basic curriculum, something that should be covered through taxes already paid and approved at town meetings. Parents are being unfairly treated, and should not be forced to subsidize the school through the use of additional user fees for their child’s basic education.

This type of policy making will eventually lead to additional user fees. Where will it stop? Next they will be establishing user fees, and charge the parents for books, copier paper, electricity, heating oil, or other expenses normally covered in the budget.

By denying any student a laptop which they are required to use in their classes, the School Committee is doing a great disservice to those students. And by charging an additional fee to parents who already paid their taxes, it is nothing more than double taxation. So much for no child left behind!

Wayne Cotterly, Poland Spring

Editor’s note: According to RSU16 Superintendent Dennis Duquette, the new $30 mandatory laptop fee is reduced for students who qualify for the free lunch program and the fee is waived for students who demonstrate financial need. In the case above, the Cotterly family has opted not to pay the charge.