Project Red

One of the most common questions we're receiving is: "How will the district handle theft and loss of devices? What liability will parents have for these devices?"

Does anyone have information to share?

Our district has been in discussion phases for this question as well. We've researched other 1:1 district policies for loss/theft and I see a few things that have helped with our conversations. First, we know our clientele. We are 59% F/R and know that this will be a burden to many families. We also know that, with our insurance we are covered up to a point. I'll provide our insurance information in a separate post. We are relying on practices and procedures to be implemented that will eliminate some of the potential loss or stolen device issues. We are giving students administrative rights to their Lenovo X230 laptop tablet. Our research and site visits have reassured us that, the more ownership students have for their device, the more protective they are with it. In addition, if we are truly transforming the way that we deliver instruction from teacher-centered to student-centered, then a laptop will be the tool that is used to conduct daily learning. Without a device it will be difficult for students to learn. That goes back to ownership as well.
In a nearby district of the same size and demographics, their loss/theft is two out of nearly 700. Their Apple Care insurance paid for the replacements.
I have a suggestion for a resource. (Student/Parent Handbook with Loss/Stolen information) Kansas City North School District: Check out their 1:1 site
KC North

We have a 1:1 iPad implementation with 6,500 devices. We conducted a cost analysis after the first year - see the following findings:

- Apple Care was not cost-effective- we returned this and Apple prorated the refund

- Private insurance rates were around $69 per device-however this did not cover theft

- We found approximately a 3% breakage rate so we have a PO opened based on 3% replacement of screens- which gave us a discount $125 per broken screen- we anticipate this will go down

- We found the most cost-effective insurance for us was to be self insured- We collect a $20 non-refundable usage fee per student who takes a device home after a mandatory orientation that parents and students must attend. This generated enough to cover approximately 300 devices for contingency for loss or 5%. After the first theft a student will immediately receive a new device, however the usage fee goes up to the full cost of the device- which is refunded at the end of the school year when the devices are returned in for maintenance. The first year we experienced a 3% loss but we did recover a portion of these with the assistance of local law enforcement.

-Grand theft for our District kicks in at $50,000 which is 116 devices- this still costs less than a premium from an outside insurance policy + any deductibles.

We are a small private school with 50 MacbookPros in the hands of Grade 7-8 students 24/7. We require parents to purchase insurance from Worth Ave Group at $115/year with a $25 deductible and no limit on claims, including theft. It has really eased the situation for us, especially when fault is in question.

Gil Anspacher, Technology Coordinator & MYP Technology Teacher
Virgin Islands Montessori School & International Academy