[MLTI-MS] Informational Letter #143, Update: Maine Learning Technology Init iative Device Buyout

[Hamlin, Heather R]

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TO:  ALL SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS

The following message is being sent at the request of the Commissioner.

***** Please forward to Principals, Business Managers, and Technology
Coordinators *****

Note:  The Administrative and Informational Letters (with more formatting
for ease of reading and printing) are available on our website at the
following address: http://www.maine.gov/education/edletrs/homepage.htm
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INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 143
POLICY CODE:  IHAJ

TO: Superintendents of Schools, Principals, Business Managers, and
Technology Coordinators

FROM: Susan A.  Gendron, Commissioner

DATE: May 15, 2006

SUBJECT: Update: Maine Learning Technology Initiative Device Buyout
      
     The initial steps of the MLTI Device Buyout are complete. An
overwhelming number of SAUs chose to purchase their existing MLTI device
deployments. The Department is excited to see that so many laptop computers
(over 30,000) will be staying within the educational community in Maine.
      
      Later this week, on May 18, the MLTI Project team will publish a list
of the remaining available MLTI devices. If your SAU is looking to purchase
more devices in order to increase access to technology in your schools, we
hope that this opportunity will meet your needs. I want to remind you that
this additional sale is intended to allow your SAU to expand its access to
educational technology. The Maine Legislature did not intend this
opportunity for SAUs to purchase devices to be an avenue for SAUs to profit
financially by selling them at a higher price than paid for in the buyout.
      
      Many SAUs have expressed interest in these devices as a way of
providing enhanced access to educational technology for their students and
educators. Let¹s work together to ensure that this opportunity is available
to as many students and educators as possible.