Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Chromebooks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses Chromebook policy, insurance options and IT audit; community IT professional recommends third‑party warranty
Summary
Board members debated enforcement versus policy change for damaged student Chromebooks and discussed insurer/third‑party warranty options; a community IT professional recommended Service Net as a cost‑effective vendor and urged the district to consider district‑paid coverage or alternatives.
Winslow Township board members discussed device policy and repair costs for district‑issued Chromebooks during the June 24 meeting, and community input urged exploration of third‑party warranty options.
Technology committee members reported ongoing work on an IT governance audit and summer technology projects (100 new Wi‑Fi access points, fiber between middle school and board office, battery backups and camera repairs). Members said state testing ran without major IT issues but that Chromebook damage and repair costs remain a recurring problem.
Board discussion focused on whether to revise district policy or better enforce existing obligations. One board member argued the existing policy ‘‘has the teeth’’ and suggested enforcement mechanisms such as requiring insurance or restricting extracurricular participation for students whose families do not satisfy device damage obligations. Technology staff said they are exploring insurance options and will update student/parent handbooks to clarify obligations and the process for damaged devices.
During public comment, Ms. McClendon (who identified herself as an IT professional from Winslow Township) recommended the district examine a third‑party warranty vendor called Service Net as a potentially more cost‑effective repair/warranty option than manufacturer support, and suggested the district consider paying for insurance if feasible.
The board asked staff to return with policy language and options for insuring devices or otherwise reducing district repair costs before the next school year.
