Maine Finally Gets Expansion of iBook Program to High Schools

We have been following this latest chapter in Maine's iBook saga since Gov. John Baldacci proposed that the legislature fund an expansion of Maine's Learning Technology Initiative to high schools. Over two years ago Apple won a contract with Maine's education department to provide iBooks to every seventh and eighth grader over two years and their teachers plus AirPort wireless networking, training and support. The program has been so successful that Gov. Baldacci wanted to expand it to the ninth grade in high schools so that graduating eighth graders could continue on in the program. He proposed using some "left over" capital construction funds but, unfortunately, the legislature had other priorities.

In response, Maine's education department cut a tentative lease deal with Apple for $300 per iBook per year for four years if Maine's school districts ordered a minimum of 8400 iBooks. The deal also includes wireless networking, training and support as in the successful middle school programs. The best part is that the payment is not due until after the legislature comes back into session, giving them a chance to do right by Maine's high schools. Still, individual school districts have to risk paying the whole amount.

Maine school districts signed up for only 6000+ iBooks by the July 31st deadline so the lease deal was in jeopardy. But according to WLBZ Channel 2's web page, Apple came through and lowered the minimum to 6000 iBooks. The deal is on! Approximately one-third of Maine's public high schools will have iBooks in the fall as a result. Now that the deal is sealed, maybe more school districts will join in. [Dana Baggett]