LYNN – The Connect! EDU program, which would allow high school seniors to apply for colleges and store application and reference materials online, is one step away from becoming a reality at the city’s high schools.The School Committee had reservations about the proposal because of security reasons, and a lack of local colleges that are affiliated with the program. A presentation by the company was enough to convince the committee that the software was secure, and some local schools such as Boston University are close to coming on board with the program.School Department Attorney John Mihos will review the contract and make a recommendation to the School Committee.The E.J. Harrington School is applying for a grant from the National Education Association Foundation. The grant is for $1,000 to be used solely for the purchase of books in the school library.The School Department has settled a dispute with former energy provider Select Energy. Business Manager Steven Upton said Thursday that the department settled on an $80,000 payment to the company after a long disagreement over billing.According to Upton, the energy company charged the department in excess of $145,000 for $60,000 worth of service. The School Committee voted unanimously to approve the transfer.Upton said the city no longer deals with Select Energy in any capacity.