Student Technology Fee

The $30 annual fee will help sustain our 1:1 Chromebook program for grades 6–12. It covers ongoing costs for maintenance, support, and accidental damage protection—ensuring that students have reliable access to the devices they need to learn and grow.

The fee includes use of a district-issued Chromebook and charger for the full school year, along with basic accidental damage coverage for common issues like cracked screens or keyboard repairs.

Basic accidental damage refers to unintentional, everyday incidents that can happen during normal use of a Chromebook—things like:

• Cracked screens from minor drops
• Damaged keyboards or touchpads from spills or wear
• Loose or broken hinges
• Damaged casing from being bumped or dropped
• Power issues (e.g., won’t turn on due to minor internal component failure)
   

It does not include:

• Lost or stolen devices
• Intentional or negligent damage (e.g., throwing or slamming the device)
• Cosmetic issues (scratches, stickers, markings)
• Charger loss or damage
• Damage from using unapproved accessories (like off-brand chargers) 

Crandall ISD has chosen not to include cases this year due to cost-effectiveness and the wide range of preferences students have. However, families are encouraged to purchase their own protective sleeves if desired. The district will continue to monitor case needs in future years.

As our district has expanded, so have the costs of maintaining thousands of devices across the district. In the past, these costs were absorbed entirely by the district. With rising repair needs, device replacements, and increased student usage, we’re introducing this fee to help keep the program sustainable—without cutting support, slowing down repairs, or reducing access.

The fee also helps ensure all students have a reliable, functioning Chromebook, plus basic accidental damage protection, so learning isn’t disrupted. We’re also working to reduce other supply list costs to help offset this new expense for families.

Q: How much is the technology fee?
A: The annual fee is $30 per student in grades 6–12.

Q: How do I pay the fee?
A: You can pay online through RevTrak or in person at your campus front office.

Q: When is the payment due?
A: The fee is due by September 1, 2025.

Q: What if my family qualifies for free or reduced lunch?
A: Students eligible for:

• Free lunch: Full fee waiver ($0)
• Reduced lunch: Discounted fee of $15
  No separate application is required unless your status has changed.
   

Q: What happens if I don’t pay?
A: Students who haven’t paid or requested a waiver by the due date will be placed on an Education-Only web filter, which limits access to academic content only. Once payment is made, normal access is restored within 48 hours.

Q: What comes with the Chromebook?
A: Each student receives a Chromebook and charger. These remain the property of the district and must be returned in good condition at the end of the school year.

Q: What if my Chromebook gets damaged?
A: If the damage is accidental (e.g., a cracked screen or hardware failure), repairs are covered under the technology fee. Intentional damage or lost devices may result in additional charges.

Q: What if my charger is lost or damaged?
A: Chargers are not covered under the technology fee. A replacement fee will be assessed if a charger is lost or damaged.

Q: Will students get loaners if their device is being repaired?
A: Loaner devices are available in limited supply and will be issued as needed during repairs.

Q: Will the fee reduce my child’s school supply list?
A: Yes. The district is reviewing school supply lists and will reduce unnecessary items to help offset the cost of the technology fee.

Q: Can students bring their own device instead?
A: At this time, all students are expected to use district-issued Chromebooks to ensure security, access, and compatibility with instructional tools.

Q: What do I tell families who have questions about the fee?
A: You can direct them to this FAQ,or the Technology Department administrator assistant. Encourage them to complete payment or waiver forms by September 1 to avoid web access limitations.

Q: What if a student hasn’t paid but needs internet access in class?
A: They will have filtered, academic-only access. Staff should direct them to the campus office to resolve payment or submit a waiver request.

Q: Will I get notified if a student is on the Education-Only filter?
A: Yes, campuses will have access to a report showing students with restricted access due to non-payment.