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Board approves revised device-insurance fees and buys charging carts to keep devices at school
Summary
The board adopted updated technology-insurance fees for 2026–27 and approved a $59,950 purchase of charging carts to keep 1st and 2nd grade devices on-site; staff noted most device breaks occur at school and discussed equity and revenue trade-offs.
The Downingtown Area School District Board approved updated technology-insurance fees for the 2026–27 school year and authorized $59,950 to purchase charging carts for first- and second-grade classrooms.
Under the new structure, K–2 insurance is strongly encouraged but optional at $50 per student (family cap $175); grades 3–9 will be required annually at $50 with a $175 family cap; grades 10–12 will be required annually at $75 with a $175 cap. District staff said the K–2 devices will remain on campus and charging carts will support that approach.
Director Detourbach and staff discussed the financial trade-offs. Gary (district staff) framed costs as threefold: the one-time roughly $60,000 to purchase charging and storage infrastructure, potential loss of recurring tech-fee revenue if families opt out (about 50% opted in during the full-day kindergarten pilot), and additional management costs on days devices travel. He added that district data show about "80% of all breaks actually happen at school," which staff used to justify centralized charging and management.
Board members raised equity concerns and asked what happens if a family does not opt into insurance and a device is broken. Staff said free- and reduced-lunch families have fees waived; otherwise families are charged for repairs and unpaid charges "travel with the child" as part of the district's billing process until settled. The board approved the fees and the charging-cart purchase by motion.
