Chromebook Damage and Protection plan

Will the District be collecting an Insurance or Protection Plan fee?

Yes, the Fort Zumwalt School District will be following the practice of collecting a Mobile Device Protection Plan fee each school year. This practice is similar to those taken by other one-to-one districts in the State of Missouri and across the nation. The fees are applied to the accidental damage costs in the Chromebook lease. The annual fee amount is $15, and will be collected prior to students receiving the device. The district does have a process for families qualifying for free or reduced lunch to reduce the amount of the fee (more information about this can be obtained from your school). The Mobile Device Protection Plan fee will not be reimbursed to students at the end of the year. This is an annual fee and provides coverage on an annual basis.  View our full brochure for more information:  Mobile Device Protection Plan Overview


What if a parent(s) or guardian chooses not to purchase the Mobile Device Protection Plan?

A student whose family chooses not to pay the Mobile Device Protection Plan fee will have access to a Chromebook during the school day but will not be allowed to take the Chromebook home. These students would then check a Chromebook out at the Library Media Center each day the Chromebook is needed and check it back in at the end of the school day. If the device is lost or damaged the student would be responsible for the actual full costs to repair or replace the device.  If the device is not returned to the Library Media Center each day, student discipline will be applied and handled by administrators within the school.


What happens if my child accidentally damages the Chromebook?

All families are encouraged to annually pay the Mobile Device Protection Plan fee. As a result, each device under the Plan is protected at no cost for one incident annually.  For example, if a student cracked the screen, the screen would be replaced at no additional cost to the child. If a child has subsequent accidents during a school year, the student/family would be required to pay an additional $25 for the damage on each subsequent incident.

If the damage is considered intentional damage, a meeting with the parent/guardian will be required and the full price for the repair/replacement will be charged to the student. For those without Protection Plan coverage, the full price for repair/replacement will be charged to the student.


What happens if the Chromebook is stolen?

Devices reported as stolen outside of school require an official police report delivered to the school administration. For those enrolled in the Mobile Device Protection Plan, a $150 fee is required for lost or stolen Chromebooks. If a student is not enrolled in the Mobile Device Protection Plan, but takes home a Chromebook that is then stolen, the full replacement cost of $303 will be charged.  If the fully functional device is later found or returned, this fee will be returned to the family.

Please note, a report of theft will trigger an action by the Fort Zumwalt Technology Department that essentially locks the device.  A message will appear when the device is turned on that says, “THIS DEVICE IS OWNED BY THE FORT ZUMWALT SCHOOL DISTRICT. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED AS LOST OR STOLEN”, along with instructions on contacting the Technology Department to return the device.

In summary, if the device is stolen, it will be rendered useless to anyone who tries to turn it on as we will have the device locked.

If a student believes their Chromebook was lost or stolen at school, they should report the incident immediately to building administration.


What is the cost of a lost or stolen device?

The cost is $150 for a lost or stolen device and a parent/guardian meeting with principal is required. Devices reported as stolen outside of school require an official police report to the school administration. If the fully functional device is later found or returned, this fee will be returned to the family.

Note – If the child reports a second lost or stolen device in the same school year, the full price for the lost or stolen device and a parent/guardian meeting with the principal is required. Devices reported as stolen outside of school require an official police report to the school administration. If the fully functional device is later found or returned, this fee will be returned to the family. Currently, the full cost to replace a Chromebook is $303.


Can students purchase a device cover or protective case if they so choose?

The district will not be purchasing covers or cases. However, the district highly encourages parents or students to obtain a personal case or cover for the Chromebook to prevent damage . We also remind parents that many backpacks today come with a padded laptop case inside the backpack that will provide extra protection while in the backpack. 


What happens if my child’s Chromebook gets broken?

If your child’s Chromebook gets broken, please have your child report it to their teacher immediately or submit a ticket for assistance at https://go.fzsd.us/HelpDesk. Fort Zumwalt Technology Staff will handle all of the repair/replacement work. Please do not take your Chromebook to a third party vendor to have it repaired as this will void the warranty. 


How much will parts cost if I don't purchase the Device Protection Plan, or if I need to replace a component that fails AND is not covered under standard wear and tear?

The district purchases parts in bulk to get the best possible pricing.  For the 2021-22 school year, these are the prices for the most common parts that require replacement: