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Board debates technology and athletic fees as district tightens device replacement policies
Summary
Trustees discussed proposed technology fee changes and athletic fee shortfalls at the July 13 meeting, raising equity concerns about penalizing families; IT director said devices will largely remain on campus and outlined revised replacement and repair fees to sustain a growing replacement burden.
The Baboquivari Unified School District governing board spent a substantial portion of its July 13 meeting addressing proposed changes to technology fees and ongoing shortfalls in athletic‑fee collections.
IT Director Aaron Bates presented revisions to the district’s fee schedule, describing a warranty program and changes such as a reduced lost‑hotspot fee, modest adjustments to Chromebook loss/repair fees, lower charger replacement costs and a new replacement charge for student ID badges (the first card would be free). Bates said the district is buying $100 warranties for devices but that warranties are void for total loss or theft. On the device‑management approach, Bates told the board, “This coming school year, everything will remain on campus,” describing classrooms that will secure devices in storage lockers so students do not take Chromebooks from class to class.
Board members pressed on enforcement and equity. Several members argued fees should not prevent students from participating in celebrations or graduation and asked for clear written policies and assistance pathways. One board member said parents sometimes learn of balances too late and asked that the district continue to expand ParentVUE outreach and online payment options. Staff replied that ParentVUE already shows account balances and that an online payment feature will be available next school year to help families make payments earlier.
The board also heard that athletic fees remain materially unpaid in many cases: the presentation credited athletic director Russell with providing data showing $17,000 billed for athletic fees across grades 6–12, with roughly $13,000 outstanding and only about 25% collected. Principals and board members discussed Johnson O’Malley (JOM) assistance and other community sponsorships as potential mitigation for families who cannot pay.
Superintendent Diaz framed fee proposals as a response to repeated replacement costs. “In the last 3–4 years, we have spent about $1,000,000 replacing equipment,” he said, urging shared accountability while emphasizing hardship support and systems to prevent loss and damage.
Why it matters: The district is balancing cost recovery to sustain technology access against equity concerns for families. The proposed fees and operational changes (keeping devices on campus, warranty purchases) aim to reduce replacements; board members asked staff to clarify written procedures and to expand communication so families can address balances before ceremonies or sports seasons begin.
Next steps: The board directed staff to continue the policy discussion, prepare written language clarifying fee assessment and hardship support, and report back with recommended policy language at a future meeting.
