JAY — The RSU 73 board Thursday night heard proposals on laptops and a request to move the former Livermore Falls High School sign to the Spruce Mountain High School in Jay.

Several laptop-related proposals were made by Superintendent Robert Wall. Prompting the most discussion was a proposal to allow students to bring their own computers to school.

Several teachers, who made up most of the 30 or so people who attended the meeting, said such use could mean students may text or make phone calls during class.

“Some devices have texting and calling. I can see that being a huge issue,” middle school teacher Julie Taylor said.

Teacher Robert Taylor said his classes require a specific program that is available in the school-issued computers and not in private computers. He said other teachers also use school laptops as textbooks rather than paper books.

“I don’t want to get away from the one student, one laptop for all students in grades six to 12,” he said.

Wall said he had no intention of reducing laptop contact, but he had received requests from parents.

Other computer issues concerned how parents will pay for insurance coverage on their child’s laptop. All students must have insurance coverage before they are allowed to take computers home.

Board Chairwoman Denise Rodzen of LivermoreFalls said she wants more information from schools that already allow some students to bring their computers to class before making any decision.

Action on these issues will be taken at the Oct. 10 board meeting.

Livermore board member Jackie Knight said she has received comments on the Jay High School sign at Spruce Mountain High School.

“I’ve received requests to bring the Livermore Falls High School sign to the Jay campus,” she said.

All high school students in Livermore, Livermore Falls and Jay now attend Spruce Mountain High School in Jay. The former Livermore Falls High School was closed this year.

Wall said the intention is to place both former high school signs on the Jay campus, and perhaps have a new sign created with Spruce Mountain High School on it.

“We’re looking at the cost,” he said.

Adult and Community Education Director Eileen Miazga suggested teacher and students in a new masonry course that’s about to begin could help with the plan to have three signs placed on the campus.

The board also entered into three closed sessions. One was to discuss a lease proposal for space in the district for Area Youth Sports; the second was to discuss new hires; and the third was to discuss contract negotiations.

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