Sauk Rapids-Rice District Aims To Equalize Costs

SAUK RAPIDS (AP) -  The Sauk Rapids-Rice school district is providing individual computers, offering free breakfasts and dropping a transportation fee in an effort to create equal access and reduce costs for all students.

The district is trying to create a more level playing field for students as the area's low-income and minority populations grow. The district is using money from the state to fund the initiative, including about $900,000 it received to balance voter-approved referendums. Money was also freed up when the state began paying for full-time kindergarten.

The district expects to spend about $324,000 a year to lease computer equipment, including 1,300 MacBook Air laptops that high school students will receive in December.

It also plans to reduce fees for participating in sports or activities next year.