Board reviews internet acceptable-use updates, Chromebook damage policy and recommends West Green computer purchase

Administrators asked the board Aug. 28 to review updated internet acceptable-use language and proposed disciplinary and fee policies to address Chromebook damage, and presented a recommendation to purchase refurbished workstation computers for West Green Elementary ahead of that school's move into a new building.

Staff said internet acceptable-use updates were drawn from Department of Education and GSBA guidance to reflect changes in social-media and device use since the district's prior template. The draft also moves district parent permission forms and sign-offs into an updated format consistent with current practice.

On Chromebook damage, staff described a rise in intentional damage and computer misuse and proposed discipline and fee language tied to levels of misconduct. Staff said accidental damage would be treated differently from intentional vandalism. During the discussion staff reported repair-part expenditures of about $2,024,000 last year to fix Chromebooks and cited the need to curb deliberate damage through a combination of fines, discipline referrals and clearer handbook language; board members voiced support for stronger language and a mix of accountability measures.

On hardware procurement, technology staff recommended purchasing workstations from System Liquidation, a refurbished-computer vendor the district has used for recent purchases, citing a lifetime parts warranty and lower net cost compared with the previous vendor (SDS). Staff said the refurbished model is a newer generation and will be moved from the old West Green site into the new building when it opens. Staff noted that an equivalent new machine retails for about $1,200, and that the refurbished purchases extend service life while saving money.

Staff asked the board to place the technology purchases and the updated policies on the consent agenda for approval at a future meeting.