Should Every Milford Student Have Their Own Computer in School?

Should every Milford pupils have their own computer at school? Well that is the opinion of at least one school board member, Minority Leader John DeRosa.

At last week’s school change meeting, DeRosa interjected that maybe it makes sense that every student should have a computer or tablet, which could free up vital classroom space, which is dedicated for computer lab space.

The need for computer lab space is one argument from some officials on why the city can’t close an existing elementary school, because there wouldn’t be enough room for all of their programs.

DeRosa has supported closing an existing elementary school, which would save taxpayers almost $500,000 annually. Enrollment has dropped like a rock over the past decade and thus far Simon Lake Elementary School has closed.

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Michael Cummings said giving every child a computer, especially at the elementary school level would not be a benefit right now.

“Our instruction is rooted in hands-on math and science,” Cummings said. “Right now the software doesn’t exist.”

During the discussion, Board Chairwoman Susan Glennon interjected and said the conversation about giving every child a computer was “way off into the future,” and that the district just bought a bunch of computers and the conversation is “irresponsible.”

Board member Dr. Heidi Gold-Dworkin suggested that if all students had computers in the classroom they could use it for at least a portion of their day.

Do you think every Milford child should have a computer or tablet in school? Share your thoughts in the comments.