An Act To Provide Flexibility for Education Technology Programs in Maine Schools

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the Department of Education's Maine Learning Technology Initiative has for the past 3 years offered schools the opportunity to sign participation agreements under which one-to-one computer devices are provided for their students and staff; and

Whereas,  schools enter into participation agreements in early spring, in order to allow time for technology equipment to be ordered, delivered and set up at schools in time for the start of the new school year; and

Whereas,  school districts and their technology directors have told the Department of Education that with more flexibility, the schools could deliver more innovative technology solutions to enhance student outcomes; and

Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect immediately for schools to plan and implement their technology programs in time for the start of the 2017-2018 school year; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §15689-A, sub-§12-A,  as amended by PL 2011, c. 354, §2, is further amended to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill adds education technology grants to the list of eligible uses for the funds transferred from the General Purpose Aid for Local Schools account to the Learning Through Technology General Fund account.