LEAP's laptop program considered as state pilot on The Murfreesboro Post

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LEAP's laptop program considered as state pilot

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Posted: Friday, February 19, 2010 10:34 am

The state education committee met this week to discuss making the Rutherford LEAP program a state-funded pilot program for all seventh-graders in Rutherford County.

The proposed pilot in Rutherford County could be an example for other laptop programs across the state. The legislation (SB 3541/HB 3918) was sponsored by Senator Bill Ketron and carried in the House by Representative Joe Carr; Senator Jim Tracy gave strong support as well.

In LEAP Director Sara Brody’s address to the committee, she spoke about the details of the program, answering questions from Senators Joe Haynes and Jamie Woodson, among others. Legislators were enthusiastic about the bill, recognizing the value of a one-to-one student laptop program.

Citing Tennessee’s fiscal woes, the committee voted to table the bill with the option to revisit it when the financial climate improves. Legislators acknowledged that Tennessee faces great difficulty funding existing technology programs in the immediate days ahead.

Co-founders Sara and Ira Brody expressed disappointment with the committee’s decision, but added, “We are glad that the door has been left open to have the program supported by the state when the fiscal future is brighter. We are pleased that Rutherford LEAP could be a model program for other counties to institute as they pursue one-to-one technology programs. “

Senator Ketron encouraged those in attendance to be mindful of potential corporate sponsors who might join Rutherford LEAP’s ongoing efforts. “Sara Brody took a huge “leap” in trying to have an effect through technology on young people in her community, and she is to be commended for that vision. It will pay dividends some day,” he said.

Rutherford LEAP’s mission is to provide public school students in Rutherford County with the ability to become technologically advanced learners through the consistent, innovative use of a one-to-one laptop program, preparing them to “leap” forward into the future.

To learn more about Rutherford LEAP, or to make a contribution toward its program, visit www.rutherfordleap.org. Sara Brody can also be contacted at (615) 823-1433, or through sara@rutherfordleap.org.

Tagged under Rutherford LEAP, Sara Brody

Member Opinions:

By: les6216 on 2/19/10
It is a shame that our State government is not taking advantage of an opportunity to partner with a community-supported non-profit. With potential corporate/private donors, the legislators are missing the chance to stretch the taxpayers' dollars to cover more students. This would be a true partnership, in the spirit of what our government was meant to be---a working partnership by and for the people. While other countries (China)are pouring dollars into their educational systems, we are sitting back and missing these kind of chances. I ask them to reconsider with the idea of long-term benefits in mind.