Damaged/Lost Technology Fines
Columbia Public Schools (CPS) reserves funds to cover some instances of damage, theft, or loss of technology devices and equipment. In some situations, fines must be assessed to promote accountability and responsibility. Fines may be paid at schools or through the district online payment system (SchoolPay).
Students
CPS provides devices for students, including PK–8 iPads and grades 9–12 laptops, for instructional use.
One cable and power brick (collectively the “charger”) is issued with each device. Patrons keep the charger and case (for iPads) as long as they are associated with CPS. Devices must be returned with a complete working charger and case (for iPads) in good condition or a fine will be assessed at the current CPS purchase price. Each school tracks this information. Alternative payment arrangements may be made at the school’s discretion.
*For safety reasons chargers must be Dell certified or Apple compatible. Full-size iPads require a 12-watt charger and sync cable. A 5-watt charger is insufficient for effective charging.
Instances of Accidental Damage and Theft
- 1st instance (iPad, iPad case, or laptop), no charge
- 2nd instance (iPad, iPad case, or laptop), $25 fine
- 3rd instance (iPad, iPad case, or laptop), $50 fine
- All subsequent instances charged at the current CPS purchase price
General Guidelines
- Instances per individual are cleared annually but follow students from school to school within CPS.
- Fines remain on the student account until paid.
- Stolen devices must be reported to the school with a police report case number within one week.
- In cases of obvious neglect or intentional damage, the school administration may adjust charges.
- For middle school student iPads, the first instance of damage applies to the keyboard case and/or the iPad.
- If the case and iPad are broken at the same time, it counts as one instance.
Instances of Loss
iPads – Elementary
- 1st instance lost iPad, $50 fine
- All subsequent instances or students not returning to CPS charged at the current CPS purchase price
- iPad charger loss charged at the current CPS purchase price
iPads – Middle School
- 1st instance lost iPad, $50 fine
- 1st instance lost keyboard, $50 fine
- All subsequent instances or students not returning to CPS charged at the current CPS purchase price
- iPad charger loss charged at the current CPS purchase price
Laptops
- 1st instance lost laptop, $100 fine
- All subsequent instances or students not returning to CPS charged at the current CPS purchase price
- Laptop charger loss charged at the current CPS purchase price
Hotspots
General Guidelines
- Instances of loss are not cleared annually.
- If the device is found in usable condition within the same school year, the paid fine will be refunded.
- If a student loses a hotspot, another hotspot will not be issued until the lost fee is paid.
- A maximum fine of $100 will be assessed for the first device loss.
Staff
CPS Technology Services distributes devices to all certified staff and some additional support staff positions.
Each device includes a charger and, for iPads, a protective case. Devices must be returned with a complete working charger and case (for iPads) in good condition or a fine will be assessed at the current CPS purchase price.
*For safety reasons chargers must be Dell certified or Apple compatible. Full-size iPads require a 12-watt charger and sync cable.
Instances of Accidental Damage and Theft
Items damaged due to normal wear or malfunction are replaced by Technology Services. However, remotes, chargers, cables, and adapters damaged due to negligence must be replaced by the individual.
iPads issued to staff must remain in the CPS-issued protective case. If the iPad is removed from the case and damage occurs, the cost will be charged to the staff member.
Stolen devices must be reported to the school with a police report case number within one week.
Instances of Loss
If a peripheral item such as a charger or adapter is lost, the individual must replace the item. Lost items may be purchased through the Technology Services Purchasing Site.
When leaving the district, all devices must be returned in good condition with the charger and adapter (if applicable). Missing items will be charged at the current CPS purchase price. Additional information is available in the Financial Procedures Manual, procedure 703.