School District Technology Fee Procedure

Purpose:
To ensure equitable access to technology for all students, this procedure establishes that no fees will be charged for the use of district-provided technology, including devices, software, and internet access necessary for educational purposes.

Procedure:

1. Device Provision:
   • The district will provide necessary technology (e.g., Chromebooks, laptops, tablets) to all students at no cost.
   • Each student will be assigned a device for instructional use during the school year.
2. No Rental or Usage Fees:
   • Students and families will not be required to pay rental, subscription, or access fees for district-issued devices and educational software.
3. Funding & Budgeting:
   • The district will allocate necessary funds for technology through the annual budget.
   • Alternative funding sources such as grants, state and federal programs, and community partnerships will be utilized to cover costs.
4. Device Repairs & Maintenance:
   • Routine maintenance and repair costs will be covered by the district.
   • If a device is accidentally damaged, the district will cover repair costs.
   • Intentional damage or loss may result in case-by-case reviews, but financial hardship waivers will be available.
5. Internet Access Support:
   • The district will work to provide internet access for students who lack it at home, including Wi-Fi hotspots or community partnerships.
   • No fees will be charged for district-provided internet services.
6. Fee Waiver Process (If Necessary):
   • In rare cases where fees apply (e.g., lost devices or repeated incidents of damage), a fee waiver process will be available to families facing financial hardship.
7. Communication & Implementation:
   • This procedure will be communicated to families through the district website.
   • Staff will be trained to ensure proper implementation and compliance with this policy.

Review & Compliance:

The policy will be reviewed annually by the district administration to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness in providing equitable technology access.

Scottsboro City School District Technology Maintenance Procedure

Purpose:
To ensure that all district-issued technology devices remain functional, up-to-date, and available for student and staff use through regular maintenance, repair, and support.

Procedure:

1. Device Maintenance & Upkeep

• All district-issued devices (e.g., Chromebooks, laptops, tablets) will undergo regular inspections and updates.
• Devices will be cleaned, checked for software updates, and tested for hardware issues at least once per semester.
• Teachers and students are encouraged to report any device issues promptly through the district’s IT support system.

2. Repair & Troubleshooting

• A dedicated IT support team will be available to troubleshoot and repair devices.
• Minor repairs (e.g., keyboard replacements, screen fixes) will be handled in-house when possible.
• More complex repairs will be sent to approved vendors, with loaner devices provided to students or staff as needed.
• A device helpdesk or ticketing system will be used to track repair requests and response times.

3. Preventative Measures

• Regular software updates and security patches will be deployed to all devices to ensure optimal performance and cybersecurity.
• Antivirus and content-filtering software will be installed and monitored on all devices.
• Media Center Specialist will receive training on best practices for device care and proper handling to minimize damage.

4. Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Devices

• If a device is lost or stolen, students/staff must report it immediately to school administration and IT personnel.
• The district will track and remotely disable lost or stolen devices to prevent unauthorized use.
• Accidental damage will be repaired at no cost to students, while cases of intentional damage may be subject to a review process.

5. Inventory & Replacement

• An annual inventory check will be conducted to assess the condition and availability of all district devices.
• Devices nearing the end of their life cycle will be replaced according to the district’s technology budget and replacement schedule.
• A minimum number of backup devices will be maintained to ensure uninterrupted learning.

6. Technology Support & Training

• IT staff training is available for students, teachers, and administrators on device maintenance, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• IT Help Desk program is implemented to provide support for minor technical issues.

7. Compliance & Review

• This procedure will be reviewed annually to incorporate new best practices and ensure efficient maintenance of district technology.
• Feedback from students, teachers, and IT staff will be considered to improve device management strategies.