RIH to Address Student Laptop Initiative This Week

The Ramapo-Indian Hills Regional High School District will hold a special public meeting Tuesday to address parent questions and concerns about an initiative to provide laptops to students at the high schools.

A District Technology Committee began exploring the possibility of equipping students with personal laptops in 2010, beginning a two-year investigation into improving the use of technology in the classroom.

The committee visited with the Pascack Valley Regional High School district, and following what the district says was positive feedback on their one-to-one program, the schools undertook a series of technology improvements, including a revamping of the wireless system, to prepare for a possible laptop program.

The committee recommended adoption of a one-to-one program last December, and the district moved toward the program in April with the inclusion of a $287,000 appropriation in its adopted budget.

Public opinion on the issue has been divided, and the board of education will continue efforts to address parent questions about the program at a meeting Tuesday night. The district held two public presentations prior to its adoption of the budget, and plans two more information sessions in the fall.

The meeting will take place Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Indian Hills auditorium.