Who is responsible for damages to school-issued devices?

Created by Branden L. Willis, Modified on Thu, 10 Jul at 3:32 PM by Branden L. Willis

1. Review the District’s Technology Agreement

  • All students and staff usually sign a Technology Usage Agreement at the start of the year.

  • This outlines responsibilities, acceptable use, and consequences for damage or loss.

2. Understand the Level of Responsibility

  • Responsibility may depend on:

    • Type of damage (accidental vs. intentional)

    • User's role (student, staff, administrator)

    • Repeated incidents or history of negligence

3. Determine If Insurance or Protection Plan Applies

  • Some districts offer optional device insurance or technology protection plans.

  • If coverage was purchased, repair or replacement may be covered partially or in full.

4. Check If a Fee or Fine Applies

  • If uninsured, the district may assess:

    • Repair costs

    • Replacement fees

    • Administrative fines for mishandling or tampering

5. Report Damage Immediately

  • Users must report any damage promptly to:

    • School administration

    • Technology Department

  • Prompt reporting may prevent further issues and help determine fault fairly.

6. IT Department Assesses the Device

  • The IT team will:

    • Evaluate the type and extent of damage

    • Decide if it’s covered under warranty, user responsibility, or a manufacturer defect

7. Follow Disciplinary or Reimbursement Process (If Needed)

  • Repeated or intentional damage may result in:

    • Disciplinary action

    • Loss of device privileges

    • Financial restitution

8. Request a Loaner (If Available)

  • While repairs are in progress, IT may issue a temporary replacement device, depending on availability and policy.

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