Damaged/Lost Technology Fines
CPS Device and Equipment Damage, Loss, or Theft
Columbia Public Schools reserves funds to cover some instances of damage, theft, or loss of technology devices and equipment. There are some situations where it is necessary to assess device and/or equipment fines in order to promote accountability and responsibility. Fines may be paid at schools or through the district’s online payment system (SchoolPay).
Students
Columbia Public Schools provides devices for students (PK–8 iPads and 9–12 Laptops) to use for instruction.
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 Columbia Public Schools. 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 will track this information. Alternative payment arrangements may be made at the school’s discretion as needed.
* It is important for safety reasons that chargers be Dell certified or Apple compatible. Full-size iPads require a 12-watt charger and sync cable (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
- 3rd Instance (iPad, iPad Case, or laptop): $50
- All Subsequent Instances: Charged at the current CPS purchase price
General Guidelines:
- Instances per individual will be cleared annually but will follow students from school to school within CPS.
- Fines remain on the student account until they are paid.
- Stolen devices MUST be reported to the school with the police report case number within one week of the theft.
- In cases where there is obvious neglect or intentional damage, per instance criteria. May be adjusted by the school's administration.
- 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 is treated as one instance. may be adjusted by the school’s administration.
- If the case and iPad are broken at the same time, it is treated as one instance. may be adjusted by the school’s administration.
Instances of Loss
iPads – Elementary
1st Instance Lost iPad: $50.00
All Subsequent Instances and Students NOT Returning to CPS: Charged at the current CPS purchase price
iPad Charger Loss: Current CPS purchase price
iPads – Middle School
1st Instance Lost iPad and Logitech Keyboard: $100.00
1st Instance Lost iPad: $50.00
1st Instance Lost Logitech Keyboard: $50.00
All Subsequent Instances and Students NOT Returning to CPS: Charged at the current CPS purchase price
iPad Charger Loss: Current CPS purchase price
Laptops
1st Instance Lost Laptop: $100.00
All Subsequent Instances and Students NOT Returning to CPS: Charged at the current CPS purchase price
Laptop Charger Loss: Current CPS purchase price
Hotspots
Any Instance of Lost Hotspot: $50.00
Any Instance of Lost Hotspot Charger: $20.00
General Guidelines
● Instances of Loss will NOT be 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 distributed until the lost fee has been paid.
● A maximum of $100.00 fine will be assessed for the first device loss.
Staff
Columbia Public Schools Technology Services distributes devices to all certified staff and some additional support staff positions.
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 Columbia Public Schools. 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.
* It is important for safety reasons that chargers be Dell certified or Apple compatible. Full-size iPads require a 12-watt charger and sync cable (5-watt charger is insufficient for effective charging).
Instances of Accidental Damage and Theft
Items that are faulty due to normal wear and tear or malfunction, including devices, remotes, chargers, charging cables, and adapters, are replaced by Technology Services. However, remotes, chargers, charging cables, and adapters that are damaged due to negligence are the responsibility of the individual to replace.
iPads issued to staff must remain in the CPS-issued protective iPad case. If the iPad is removed from the CPS-issued case and placed in a different case, any damage caused to the iPad will be charged to the staff member to whom the iPad is issued.
Stolen devices MUST be reported to the school with the police report case number within one week of the theft.
Instances of Loss
While working in the district, if a peripheral item, such as a device charger or adapter, is lost, it is the responsibility of the individual to replace the lost item. Lost items may be purchased through the Technology Services Purchasing Site.
Upon leaving the district, each device issued to staff must be returned in good condition with a case (iPads only) and with a complete working charger and adapter (if applicable to the device model). A fine will be assessed for items not returned. These charges will be charged at the current CPS purchase price. More information is outlined in the District Financial Procedures Manual, procedure 703, Technology Device Expectations