Computer Crapola

[PrincessFiona]

Our district hands out computers (MacBook air) to each high school kid. As parents, we are forced to sign a paper that we are responsible for the devices in order to get said computer. You can't opt out though. The kids use the computers in every class and need them at home for running certain district software and homework submissions. In addition, Aidan was handed an iPad. He's 11

Reluctantly, I signed all forms. What was my alternative?

So what happened?

Aidan's iPad screen cracked. We have not told anyone yet. Of course it cracked. He's carrying it everyday in his backpack.

And.

Drumroll.

Aidan accidentally spilled water on Alex's computer breaking the trackpad. It cost $470 to repair.

The school called and left a message on our answering machine that we owed them $470

Dh went apeshit. First he was mad at me for signing anything. Then he sent a scathing email to the principal stating that we won't pay for it and that the school will have to accommodate a student with no computer.

So Alex will be the only kid with no computer.

I agree with dh in theory but I'm pissed that he is putting it on me.

Does anyone think we have a leg to stand on about not paying?

[Vanquisher]

I don't know. Public school?


Heidi

[Sheherezade]

Depends on the form you signed. Here, they will pay for "reasonable damage". They have some insurance on devices. However, they charge the parents for some accidents.

This is why I wanted our district to go with the iPad program. Apple sets it up with each device insured for replacement and you basically rent them from them. I think that's just safer. Kids will break things. Guaranteed.


Angie

[PrincessFiona]

It is a public school Heidi

[diggitydot]

I think it's beyond ridiculous that people can't opt-out.

[Ladybug]

I dunno. I heard the districts are going fully electronic next year here, no more books.

[Pollyanna]

Wow Kris. I don't know, I have a feeling you are going to have to pay and I don't see how Alex not having a computer will be possible. Our high school just went to computers this semester. All the kids had to provide their own based on required specs. This allowed for a variety of price points and the school isn't in ownership of the machines. But DS14 would not be able to function without his computer and I'm not even sure how the teachers would accommodate a child without. I think the school has a few loaners for kids whose computers are having trouble. Does your school offer that?

I'm not a huge fan of the 100% digital school. Although it's not really 100% because they still have books, etc. I'm so sorry, what a disaster.

Does Aidan have an Otterbox for the iPad? That is a HUGE lifesaver for us.

[HouseofWool]

Here the kids are issued a massive Otterbox case for their iPads.

[Sheherezade]

We have Chromebooks and the school invested in carrying cases for everyone. No one uses them. That said, they are holding up well at the high school. Google classroom is also pretty slick and the kids like the interface.


Angie

[SoonerTexan]

$470 is a lot for a laptop repair...did they have to replace the motherboard? A Macbook Air is a stupid stupid choice of laptop for heavy use by middle school and high school kids. WTF.

I'm with others on the Otterbox...honestly I don't know how anyone has a tablet or smartphone without a heavy duty case. Mine has been dropped so many times (and not even by kids) and only survives because of the otterbox like case.

[Pollyanna]

Marissa has an excellent point about cost. Pricing out a trackpad replacement online is less that $200. What did they claim to fix?

[Sheherezade]

Yes- the only reason to go with the Apple program over other computers was that they provide the insurance against damage and build in replacement and upgrade costs. Heck, they even do this with all iPhones now ($99 insurance gets you replacement, no questions asked) . I'm surprised a district would have Apple products and not have that program. Without it, Apple is cost prohibitive on a large scale.


If it's their device, then it's theirs to fix. I'd be looking at the contract.

Angie

[Pollyanna]

Any chance the district is making money on the repairs? That would be a cash cow......

[PrincessFiona]

Aidan's device came with an otterbox of their choosing. It is not allowed to be removed from the device. He is so careful with his iPad and he was so upset.

We'll have to see what the bill is for on Alex's computer. Thomas made a huge stink about it though. It's going to be a battle. My guess is Alex will lose.

Kris