• Font Family
  • Font Settings

Chromebook Information

Student Chromebooks at North Schuylkill

North Schuylkill School District has been a 1:1 Chromebook district since 2020, meaning every student from elementary through high school is issued a district-owned Chromebook for use during the school year. This initiative ensures that all students have equitable access to the technology tools they need to learn, collaborate, and grow — both in the classroom and at home.

Each Chromebook is configured and managed by the district’s Technology Department to support a safe, focused learning environment. Devices are pre-loaded with Google Workspace for Education, giving students access to Docs, Slides, Sheets, Classroom, and other tools used daily across all grade levels. Chromebooks are filtered through our network to ensure responsible use in compliance with Board Policy 815: Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources.

Students are expected to treat their assigned Chromebook as a learning tool. Proper care extends the life of the device and helps the district keep program costs low. The sections below outline the Damage Repair Plan, care procedures, and the district’s policy on personal devices.

Chromebook Damage Repair Plan

North Schuylkill School District is self-funded, and the Chromebook Damage Repair Plan helps protect families from the full cost of accidental damage. Enrollment in the plan is strongly encouraged. Families who decline the plan assume full financial responsibility for all repairs and replacements.

Plan Costs

  • The annual premium is $25.00 per school year, due within 10 school days of enrollment or device issuance.
  • The first accidental damage claim is fully covered by the premium — no additional charge.
  • The second accidental claim carries a $25.00 deductible.
  • A third claim or beyond is billed at the full cost of repair or replacement.
  • A lost power cord replacement costs $30.00.
  • After September 15, no refunds on premiums will be issued.
  • Financial hardship accommodations are available — contact the District Office for payment options.

Repair Cost Schedule (with Plan Paid)

Incident Damage Type Cost to Family
1st Accidental $0
2nd Accidental $25.00
3rd+ Accidental Full cost of repair/replacement ($325.00 as of July 2025)
Any Misuse, neglect, or intentional damage Full cost of repair/replacement ($325.00 as of July 2025)

What Is Covered

The plan covers the originally issued Chromebook, any loaner, and any replacement device. No additional premium is charged for use of a loaner Chromebook during a repair.

What Is Not Covered

  • Damage that is not reported to the Main Office immediately — unreported damage (such as liquid spills or drops exposing internal parts) may void coverage for that incident.
  • Damage caused intentionally or maliciously.
  • Dishonest, fraudulent, or criminal acts.

Claim Procedure

  1. Step 1. Report the damage to your school’s Main Office immediately.
  2. Step 2. The Technology Department will examine the device to determine whether the claim qualifies under the plan.
  3. Step 3. If approved, the technician completes the appropriate paperwork and notifies office staff.
  4. Step 4. The family will be contacted by phone, letter, or email once the claim is filed.
  5. Step 5. A loaner Chromebook will be issued to the student while the repair is in process.
Download the full plan: The complete Chromebook Damage Repair Plan document, including the loaner agreement and sign-off form, is available as a PDF.

Chromebook Damage Repair Plan (PDF) (opens in new window)

Caring for Your Chromebook

Following these guidelines helps prevent damage and keeps your child’s device working throughout the school year.

General Precautions

  • Do not place Chromebooks on soft surfaces or laps during use — this can cause overheating.
  • Keep all food and drinks away from the Chromebook at all times.
  • Insert cords, cables, and USB drives carefully into the correct port.
  • Do not store or use Chromebooks near pets.
  • Do not use the device when the power cord poses a tripping hazard.
  • Never place heavy objects on top of a Chromebook.
  • Never loan your Chromebook to another student or individual.

Carrying & Handling

  • Always transport the Chromebook with care — carry it closed with two hands.
  • Never lift a Chromebook by its screen.
  • Never carry a Chromebook with the screen open.

Opening & Closing

  • Only open or close the Chromebook when it is resting on a flat surface.
  • Do not force the screen beyond its natural angle — the screen will break.
  • Before closing, make sure nothing is on the keyboard (pens, pencils, etc.).
  • Close the screen gently using two hands, one at each corner.

Screen Care

  • Do not press on the lid of a closed Chromebook.
  • Screens are sensitive to excessive pressure — never stack items on top of a closed device.
  • Avoid cleaning the screen with harsh solvents or liquids.

Repair Payment Information

When a Chromebook is brought in for repair, the Technology Department will provide the student’s homeroom teacher with a damage report detailing what was found and any costs associated with the repair. This information will be shared with the student’s parent or guardian.

Once the damage has been recorded, the North Schuylkill Business Office will issue an official bill that will be mailed to the student’s address on file with the district.

Business Office Contact:
Meredith Zilker — mzilker@northschuylkill.net

Students Without a Damage Plan

Students who are not enrolled in the Chromebook Damage Repair Plan are responsible for the full cost of the replacement part and all labor costs associated with the repair. A replacement device will not be issued until payment has been made.

Students who do not have a district-issued device while a repair is pending will be provided their coursework in physical form so they do not fall behind on their schoolwork.

Making Payments Early

We understand that billing from the Business Office may take a few days to process. Families who wish to expedite the repair and device return process do not need to wait for the mailed bill. Payments may be brought in at any time to the appropriate school office:

  • North Schuylkill Elementary (NSE): Payments may be brought to the NSE Main Office.
  • North Schuylkill Jr/Sr High School: Payments may be brought to the HS Main Office.

A replacement device will be provided as soon as the school office confirms that payment has been received.

Financial Hardship & Payment Plans: We understand that repair costs can place a financial burden on families. Payment plans are available to help ease the process and allow students to get their device back sooner. To arrange a payment plan, please reach out to Meredith Zilker in the Business Office at mzilker@northschuylkill.net.

Estimated Parts & Repair Costs

North Schuylkill uses a variety of Chromebook models, each with different components and associated costs. The table below reflects approximate price ranges for common replacement parts. Please note that all prices are subject to change as vendor and market pricing fluctuates.

Part / Repair Estimated Cost
Full Device Replacement $325.00
LCD Screen $55.00 – $75.00
Keyboard $53.00 – $70.00
System Board / USB-C Port $130.00 – $215.00
USB-C Charger $30.00
Battery $45.00 – $90.00

Prices are estimates based on current vendor pricing and are subject to change without notice.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

North Schuylkill School District permits students to bring and use personal Chromebooks and laptops during the school day for educational purposes. Students are encouraged to use their district-issued device, but personal computers and Chromebooks may be used as an alternative if needed.

What Devices Are Permitted

  • Personal Chromebooks and laptops are permitted for educational use.
  • Tablets may be permitted at teacher discretion for specific instructional activities.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are not permitted for use during the school day. Students are expected to comply with Board Policy 237: Electronic Devices, which governs the use of personal electronic devices on school property. Violations are subject to disciplinary action per district policy.

Board Policy 237: Electronic Devices (opens in new window)

Connecting to the Network

Personal devices may connect to the school’s wireless network by selecting the NSGuest network. This network provides general internet access and is subject to the same content filtering and acceptable use requirements as all district networks.

No Technical Support for Personal Devices

Please note: The North Schuylkill Technology Department is unable to provide technical support, troubleshooting, or assistance for personally owned devices. This policy exists to protect both the student and the district from liability. If a personal device experiences an issue, the student is responsible for resolving it independently or through the device’s manufacturer. Staff will not attempt to repair, configure, or access personal devices.

Acceptable Use Reminder

All use of personal devices on district property and district networks is subject to Board Policy 815: Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources. Students who misuse personal devices during the school day are subject to the same consequences as those who misuse district-issued equipment.