Beverly HS to require students to buy a MacBook

BEVERLY, Mass. -- Starting in the Fall of 2011, each student at Beverly High School will be required to have an Apple MacBook.

The MacBook currently goes for about $900, which is an expense that some parents said they simply cannot afford.

“$900 per lap book per student? That’s ridiculous. Who can afford that? Nobody can afford that,” said Lisa McKenna, a mother of students at the school.

Superintendent James Hayes said officials chose the MacBook instead of a PC because Apple offers great technical support and will be compatible with the new high school's computer network.

“The general feeling is very supportive of this,” said Hayes.

Many students agree.

“I think it’s a good idea because a lot of the programs that we use are on Apples, so it allows people to be able to do it at home also if they have their own,” said Jenna Lovasco, a sophomore at the school.

Superintendent Hayes said the school will offer financial help and payment programs for any families that need it.

“For those who can’t afford it, we’ll offer reduced rates depending upon their income. And for those who simply don’t wanna participate, we’ll make sure they’ll have a laptop for use during the school day,” said Hayes.

Some parents just aren’t buying it.

“I feel like there’s going to be a lot of public outrage. I just don’t think a lot of people can afford it, you know, $900 per student in one household...some people have two or three kids who are entering high school. I know a lot of really big families. What are they gonna do?” said McKenna.

The new Beverly High School will also have an Apple-Certified Technical Support Center right on the first floor, so if a student’s laptop breaks, they can drop it off for repair and grab a loaner.

(Copyright (c) 2010 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)