District distributes iPads, introduces in-house device damage-waiver to limit family costs

District technology staff reported that the current refresh initiative has completed distribution of student iPads and teacher MacBooks and that sidecar iPads were provided to classroom teachers. Some peripheral orders (cases, keyboards) are in transit, and technology support staff and six school support staff are assisting with inventory and distribution.

To track device problems, the district rolled out a device-loss and repair tracking form that requires families to report damage within 72 hours. Technology staff said the district’s goal is to return devices within three days where possible.

Staff acknowledged families face substantial replacement costs: the technology lead said a full replacement runs about $458. To reduce that burden the district introduced an optional in-house damage-waiver program. The fee structure disclosed at the meeting is $40 for the first student, $30 for the second student, and $100 for families with three or more students; after enrolling, the most a family would pay per incident is $49. The district emphasized the waiver is not an insurance product but an in-house program to streamline replacements.

Technology staff also thanked Dodridge County for donating surplus equipment (charging towers, monitors and an all-in-one units) that will be wiped and repurposed for secretary stations and CTE production labs. The department plans to use donated equipment to refresh Windows labs while maintaining Apple devices for one-to-one classroom use.

Technology staff said they had handled at least one full replacement quickly after a device failure and highlighted ongoing communication with families about device expectations and the new waiver option.

Next steps: technology will continue to track incoming peripheral orders, process waiver enrollments and monitor turnaround times for repairs. Families seeking details about the waiver and timelines were told to consult school technology contacts.