Chromebook Evaluation Process
Each year District 205 evaluates a variety of Chromebook makes and models with the goal of finding a durable device with current features and good performance at a reasonable cost. D205 technology staff meet with vendors and attend a mobile device showcase to learn about Chromebook models from several manufacturers. D205 acquires sample units to evaluate hands-on, including obtaining input from TSI, before making a final purchase recommendation.
Chromebook Damage Assessment
In 2015-2016 York students experienced a screen damage rate of approximately 8%. The Technology department surveyed other districts to learn about damage rates seen in other 1:1 Chromebook schools. Of the districts reporting statistics, the damage rate ranged from 5% to 10% with an average of 7.8%. Damage rates are fairly even across Chromebook make and model. This suggests that District 205’s damage rate is about average and different Chromebook models would not necessarily lead to less damage.
Chromebook Decision
Based on the evaluation process, damage assessment, and support considerations the Technology department concluded that Dell was the best option for the 2016-2017 school year, the Acer Chromebook for the 2017-2018 school year, and the Lenovo Chromebook for the 2018-2019, 2019 - 2020, and 2020 - 2021 school years. Support considerations include consistency in training the Technology Services Internship (TSI) class students on repair procedures and in maintaining parts inventory for repairs.
Chromebook Cost and Payment Plan
York families are required to purchase a Chromebook from the District which orders the Chromebooks and re-sells them for cost plus 8% Illinois sales tax.
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Elementary and Middle School Chromebooks and cases are owned by the District. Chromebooks are stored in charging carts. During the day middle school students carry their assigned Chromebook to their classes in the protective case provided by the District. Middle School students have the option to take home their Chromebook. Learn more.
Chromebook Repair and Costs
As stated in Administrative Procedure 6:235-AP1 (Access to District Network and Technology), individuals may be held personally liable for the cost of repairing damaged equipment or replacing lost equipment with equipment of like value and functionality. Chromebook repairs or replacement will be handled as follows:
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York students and their parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement associated with a student-owned Chromebook.
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Because elementary and middle school Chromebooks are District property, these Chromebooks will be repaired with D205 technology repair funds. However, if damage to school property is due to vandalism or other intentional act by the student it is within the District’s right to seek restitution from students and their parents/guardians in accordance with Board policy 7:170 (Vandalism).
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Chromebooks will be repaired by York students in the Technology Services Internship (TSI) class or by District 205 technology support staff. The cost of repairs performed within District 205 includes the cost of parts only (no markup on parts and no labor charge). For more information about repairs, visit the Repairs Page.
Free Internet Access
Elmhurst 205 is pleased to announce a partnership with Sprint ConnectED* that provides free home Internet access to eligible students with no Internet access at home.
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Families who apply and meet the qualification criteria will receive a Wi-Fi hotspot device that allows a computer or Chromebook to connect to the Internet. This hotspot device is on loan to the student for up to four years while he or she remains enrolled in District 205.
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Through this partnership, Sprint will provide 3GB per month of free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet service. When monthly usage exceeds 3GB, speeds may be reduced for the remainder of the monthly plan cycle and restored to 3GB when the next plan month begins. Because of the 3GB limit and because this service is available to access the academic curriculum, the service is intended for use only by District 205 students to whom the device is assigned and for educational purposes only.
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If you do not have Internet access in your home and would like to apply for the program, complete this application form and return it to your school.
Low Cost Internet
If a student is eligible for the free or reduced lunch program your family may qualify for Comcast Internet Essentials**, a low cost Internet connection. Information is available at internetessentials.com.
*Elmhurst CUSD 205 receives no payments or incentives from Sprint for sharing information about the Sprint ConnectED program.
**Elmhurst CUSD 205 receives no payments or incentives for sharing information about Comcast Internet Essentials.