A solution to costly student calculators

(New York - WABC, December 1, 2006) (WABC) -- A major burden has been lifted for the parents of students in New York state.

They won't have to come up with money for often costly calculators used for their children's school work, which can run as much as $200 dollars.

Ninth graders in North Massapequa are prepping for next month's Regents tests. They need expensive graphing calculators. Until now, parents generally had to foot the bill.

Some East Islip dads complained to the state -- and today, there's a new policy. School districts in New York state must pay for students' calculators that are needed for schoolwork.

"The districts should pay but it's equipment, teaching material ... they pay for text books, it's the same thing as a text book ... students aren't required to buy textbooks," parent Frank Gerace said.

But in the Plainedge school district, the superintendent says the decision will create a logistical nightmare -- and it will cost the district more than $120,000 for calculators.

"I think it was an ill thought through decision ... for as long as anyone can remember, students have always provided their own calculators, and it's not that we can't do it," John Richman, EdD, Plainedge School District Superintendent, said.

As for neighboring states: In New Jersey, schools don't have to pay for students' calculators; In Connecticut, it's up to each school district.

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