Gilmer County Schools shifts restitution decisions for damaged laptops to school principals

The Gilmer County Schools board voted to adopt a change in administrative guidance that gives school principals discretion to determine restitution and discipline when students repeatedly or intentionally damage district-issued technology.

Superintendent Dr. Manny told trustees the district historically billed families after a second device damage incident but that payment compliance is low — "a very small number of them pay," he said, adding that only about three parents paid last year. He described device costs ("the cost of the laptops about it's almost $600 a piece") and frequent losses such as chargers.

Under the approved recommendation, principals will review incidents and document restitution decisions in the district discipline system; the technology department will no longer manage billing for losses and repairs. The superintendent said principals could revoke device privileges in cases of continued or intentional abuse and would handle situations ranging from accidental damage to deliberate destruction.

Board members discussed enforcement and collection options (including magistrate court for nonpayment in extreme cases) and agreed the change gives needed flexibility and clearer discipline authority at the school level. The motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The policy change is administrative guidance rather than a new board policy text in the minutes; the administration said discipline actions and restitution determinations will be recorded in the district's discipline system and applied according to case facts.