CSD #3 has a new three-year technology plan. After reviewing the 18-page document, which applies to both the Boothbay Region and Southport schools, five members of the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD School Committee last Wednesday approved the plan. John Bertolet abstained.

The board adopted the plan for 2001-2004, with the understanding that it will continue to evolve as technology changes, and as the state institutes its own plan.

On hand to answer questions both last Wednesday and in September when the document was first presented were Computer Coordinator David Landry, Boothbay Region High School librarian and information technology expert Frances Aley, and Boothbay Region Elementary School computer lab teacher Judy Dorr.

When Chairman Sandra Paxson asked about the age of the technology equipment in the schools, Dorr told her that the equipment in the classrooms is "very outdated" and added, "The only place in our school that's up to date, where kids can come in and be totally efficient, is the computer lab."

Aley said that some equipment bought during her first year at the school, 11 years ago, "is still ticking away."

Landry explained that some machines bought back in 1983 are still running, and that about 40 of the machines are not Power Macs.

All three "computer gurus," as Superintendent of Schools Mark Keegan called the trio of Technology Committee representatives, emphasized that technology is changing fast. Landry gave an example of the amount of memory that is recommended now vs. several years ago.

When board member Alex Logan asked if the projected budget amounts will accomplish the plan, Dorr said, "If we want to stay proactive to keep our students learning effectively, [the amount budgeted] may have to change.... Do we want to go with a portable lab? Do we want to do re-wiring? That's going to cost money. We have to look at how things are going to change. The money that we have right now is very effective, but a portable lab would cost $20,000. That would kill my budget."

She pointed out that the Maine Department of Education's $30,000 endowment project (through which basic laptop computers will be provided to students) will have a tremendous impact. The platform the state chooses will greatly affect the schools' planning.

"If the platform changes [from MAC], we'll have to be creative," said Dorr.

"We're not the only Apple school in the state," said Keegan. "Whatever the state does they'll probably try to do it in concert with both platforms."

Discussing the laptop issue brought up questions of storage, maintenance, and wiring -- "all kinds of questions we can't answer yet," said Dorr.

By February 1, Maine expects to have a contract with a vendor, and by July teachers should have laptops.

As the discussion of the technology plan ended, Dorr said, "I'm really excited about what children are doing with computers in our school. They're becoming more knowledgeable. Some of the projects that are going on right now are fantastic."

Keegan told the computer experts, "It occurs to me that you three individuals are responsible for helping us educate the 850 students on this hill, and I'm real proud of you."