Maryland’s Nonpublic School Textbook/Technology Loan Program Background The Nonpublic School Textbook/Technology program provides nonreligious textbooks and computer hardware and software on a loan basis to students attending nonpublic schools whose tuition does not exceed the state average per-pupil cost ($10,800 in 2005-06). The program was extended to allow the purchase of educational technology during the 2004 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Schools do not receive funds directly, but rather are allowed to purchase books and technology based on a per-pupil allocation.  Vendors are paid directly by the Maryland State Department of Education. The per-pupil allocation is $90 per-pupil at schools serving 20 percent or more students from low-income families; per-pupil allocations for students at the remaining schools are determined by the number of participating students. 88,000 students in 350 schools participated in 2007                 Fiscal     Total Funds       Per Pupil Allocation                 Year                               High Poverty     Others                 2001         $ 6 million                $90           $60                 2002         $ 5 million                $90           $57                 2003         $3.75 million            $90           $36                 2004-06     $3 million                $90           $22                  2007-08     $4 million                $90           $30                 2009         $3.6 million*            $90           $25 (estimate)                  *Budget allocation must be approved by the                   General Assembly during the 2008 session.