KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The Kansas City, Kan., school board voted Tuesday night to let high school students check out laptop computers. The new laptops are being leased for each high school student.

The checkout policy that the board approved is similar to existing policies for checking out musical instruments and athletic equipment, said the Board.

The vote ended months of debate on a program designed to bridge the digital divide.

The Kansas City, Kan. district was the first public school district in the metro area to acquire laptop computers for all of its high school students, and to allow students to use those laptops at home.

Half of the students in the district don't have access to a computer at home.

"With the ability to check out laptops, students will engage in higher levels of critical thinking, work to close their own learning gaps, become productive and creative students ready to exit high school college- and career-ready," said Dr. Cynthia Lane, Assistant to the Superintendent for Business and Instructional Support Services.

All parents and students must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy, as well learn about the care and maintenance of the machines. There is a mandatory $50 per year fee for each high school student. This insurance fee covers loss or damage to the computer. Some students can qualify for a reduced fee. If they cannot afford the reduced rate, students can do community service to pay off the fee.

The district will start the laptop program at Kansas City, Kan., high schools in late October.

For more information on the Laptops for Learning program, click here.