Hillsdale Board adopts Chromebook agreements and device policies for 2026–27

The Hillsdale Board of Education approved district Chromebook agreements and associated policies for the 2026–27 school year at its June 22 meeting.

The district requires all students in grades 4 and 5 (and referenced in other documents) to sign a Chromebook Agreement before receiving a district‑issued device. The agreement outlines permitted uses (educational purposes only), care expectations (protective case, no stickers on the device), procedures for reporting manufacturing defects or accidental damage, and a tiered accidental damage fee schedule: first accident — no charge; second accident — $50; third or more — $100. The 5th grade agreement also specifies a non‑refundable technology usage fee of $40 for the year (payment via PaySchools; waivers for free/reduced lunch applicants noted).

The agreements provide privacy and monitoring notices consistent with New Jersey law (citing the Anti‑Big Brother Act, N.J.S.A. 18A:36‑39), stating the district may examine device data and archive communications and that archived records may be shared with law enforcement when appropriate. The policies describe Maschio’s, Realtime and other vendors used by the district for device management, food service and parent communications.

Students must return devices for maintenance in June; the Technology Department will determine whether damage is repairable or considered loss/abuse and will charge replacement costs for lost items. The district also reserves the right to audit and remove software and to require software installations that may access personal information stored on the device.

The Board recorded the Chromebook agreements and related technology policies as approved in the official minutes. The documents in the agenda specify steps for device loss reporting, administrative oversight and expectations for parents to supervise device use at home.