FARMINGTON — At the Aug. 13 regional school unit [RSU] 9 board of directors meeting, Director of Technology Kevin Bremner presented an update on the district’s technology initiatives, focusing on student devices, summer programs and upcoming projects.

Bremner showcased the equipment that students in grades six to 12 will receive, stating, “I wanted to show you guys what we are issuing to students: an iPad with a keyboard case, and all the students are going to get a stylus. They will have a carry bag as well.”

He noted that preparations for the start of the school year are nearly complete. “We are just about finished getting these all enrolled and labeled and sorted and ready to go out,” he said. “I was getting nervous this time of year because it seems we have a never-ending amount of work, but I think we are going to be ready for day one. So that is exciting.”

Bremner also addressed concerns related to the federal E-rate program, which funds internet services for schools and libraries. “One of the biggest worries I do have about that situation is we do spend a lot on infrastructure through E-rate, but our internet connection we get through Network Maine is paid through MSLN [Maine School and Library Network]. The bulk of their funding comes from the E-rate program as well. If that program were to go away, the biggest concern for us as a district would be having to pay for that internet connection, which is absolutely free to us right now.”

The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Program, known as E-rate, helps schools and libraries secure affordable internet access, telecommunications services and internal network connections.

Regarding the district’s summer Tech Institute, which began Aug. 14, Bremner shared his enthusiasm. “We are very excited about it,” he said. “We have food, a prize table, decorations set up and free swag for attendees. We expanded to four different spaces this year for presenting sessions. We don’t ask teachers to sign up ahead of time; we want to make it as casual as can be. So just come for a session or the day. We have over 30 teachers signed up between the districts, which is about what we had per day last year.”

During the meeting, questions arose about the future use of MacBook Airs and whether teachers could purchase them. “Teachers still have their MacBook Airs as a tool for themselves, and we still have a number of MacBooks that we are going to put into carts to be kept between the middle and high schools,” Bremner clarified. “If a project requires a laptop, teachers can sign out that cart for a class period.”

“The iPads have come a long way, and as far as most of the work we’re doing in classrooms, I think the iPad is going to be sufficient,” Bremner noted when asked about the difference between MacBooks and iPads. “The biggest difference students will find is the form factor; it’s not a big keyboard and laptop that they are used to. But I think it is also going to add some versatility.”

Another topic discussed was the district’s involvement in the STEM Workforce 2030 initiative funded by the Alfond Foundation. “This is our first year participating,” Bremner said. “It is a five-year commitment for us as a district. The program is an effort to help districts integrate computer science and computational thinking into their curriculum.” He emphasized that the goal is not to add extra work for teachers but to embed these skills into existing lessons. “What’s exciting about it is the opportunity to work with other districts that are already part of it, like Rumford, Turner and Rangeley.”

The meeting concluded with Chair Dorothy Dee Robinson thanking Bremner and other administrators for their reports.