Maine districts dispute no-cost claim for laptop program

From The Portland Press-Herald: A plan in Maine to expand the state's laptop program from middle to high schools comes with more strings attached than advertised, local school officials contend. State officials have promoted the plan as a voluntary initiative that would not require additional funding. But some Portland-area school officials say school districts will need more staff to manage the computers -- new local costs amid a recession. State officials say the plan will help students build much-needed computer skills. They dispute claims that public statements about the program have been misleading.