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Board reviews technology fee, repair costs and device choices for 1:1 program
Summary
District technology staff reviewed the $20 annual technology fee (unchanged since 2012), its use to cover repairs and consumables, and options including optional third‑party insurance and device choices; staff said the program is largely self‑funded at about $400,000 a year.
District technology staff told trustees that the $20 technology fee — set when the district launched its 1‑to‑1 program in 2012 — has not been raised but now supports a larger program of devices, repairs and accessories.
Mark Chopin, the district technology presenter, said the district collects roughly "$400,000 a year" when damage fees and lost/accessory charges are included, and that every dollar collected is used in the program for repairs, replacement OEM chargers and local technicians. He said the district prefers OEM chargers because non‑OEM chargers can void warranty and cause device damage.
Trustees asked whether the current ruggedized HP Windows devices justify the higher cost (about $700 each). Chopin said ruggedization and Windows functionality reduce the need for separate labs and allow more software choices than iPads or Chromebooks; he also offered to provide breakage/repair rates to the technology committee in September. The board discussed optional third‑party insurance as one path to reduce repair costs for families but flagged affordability for households with multiple children.
The district will provide requested damage/breakage rates to the technology committee and continue evaluating insurance options and device procurement choices.
