Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Technology Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Martinez Unified outlines plan to assess device fees via MySchoolBucks; insurance option offered
Summary
District technology staff proposed charging repair and replacement fees for damaged or lost student Chromebooks and accessories through a centralized MySchoolBucks/ticketing system, while offering an optional $30 annual device-insurance program and promising immediate replacement devices so students' learning is not interrupted.
Martinez Unified technology staff presented a plan to centralize device repair, replacement and payment through the district’s MySchoolBucks ticketing integration, saying the system will allow staff to create damage tickets, assess recommended fees and notify families.
The presentation included sample price points the department used for planning: charger $20, keyboard $65, damaged screen $210 and full replacement around $300. Technology staff said labor costs will be kept minimal in the draft schedule and that some repairs may be routed to third-party vendors. They emphasized that when a Chromebook is turned in for repair, students will receive a temporary replacement to avoid disrupting classroom instruction.
Staff said the district will also continue to offer a voluntary device‑coverage insurance plan through a vendor; the current annual premium under consideration is $30 per Chromebook and would cover repairs and most losses for the year. Implementation is expected after district communications to families and a short transition period; staff proposed an early‑October target but said the start date is flexible pending feedback.
Board members pressed staff about discipline, lost/stolen devices and alternatives. Technology staff clarified that accidental first‑time damage would not result in punitive discipline, that fines would be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis and could be appealed through the district process, and that repeated incidents could prompt site administrator intervention. A board member proposed using collected fines to seed an in‑district repair class or work‑study for students; staff said the district has pursued work‑study partnerships in the past and could explore such a program while noting constraints — the technology department currently has five staff and none are certificated teachers, so a formal course would require coordination with labor partners and staffing changes.
The superintendent and technology staff said next steps include posting a finalized price list on the technology website, sending parent communications describing the fee schedule and appeal process, and continuing to offer the optional insurance program. Staff also said the district will provide translation/assistive listening options at in‑person trainings and information sessions when requested.
The board did not take a formal vote on fees at this meeting; staff invited feedback prior to returning with an action item.
