Linux in education is by no means a new idea. SD73 uses it exclusively and does a great job at it.
I’ve played a bit and was able to get a VM version of ubuntu to successfully connect and join our active directory. Next step is to image and put it on a netbook. Apps include secondary and inexpensive COWs to possibly replace computer labs in elementary schools. Another option for Elementary school labs is a linux terminal server… that is the next stop after playing with new netbooks.