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Dec 28, 2023

Lost Chromebooks cost Clayton County Public Schools more than $3.3 million

JONESBORO — Nearly 7,000 Chromebooks for Clayton County Public School students

JONESBORO — Nearly 7,000 Chromebooks for Clayton County Public School students have been either lost, stolen or damaged. That, combined with other damages to Chromebook equipment, comes at a cost of more than $3.3 million.

The numbers were presented to the Clayton County Board of Education at its work session on May 30.

According to numbers provided by Chief Technology Officer Rod Smith, as of May 17, there were 5,777 Chromebooks reported lost — 13.9% of all Chromebooks.

There were 34 Chromebooks reported stolen, 914 reported damaged, and 6,572 power adaptors reported lost or damaged.

To replace the Chromebooks and adaptors, it will cost more than $3.33 million.

Theft insurance is included with each Chromebook, but a police report needs to be turned in. If not, then the device is reported as lost.

Smith said the percentage of lost Chromebooks is comparable to other districts with the average being around 10%.

In order to address the issue, the school system formed a Cross-Functional Team to provide clear guidelines on the importance of responsible device handling, security measures, and accountability.

"I had a problem with the Chromebooks in the first place," said school board member Mark Christmas. "I hope the Cross-Functional Team doesn't bring me back these same kinds of numbers next year."

He added that "it doesn't make sense if we’re continuing to do this yearly. We need to do a better job. It's utterly ridiculous."

Board of Education Chair Jessie Goree said perhaps parents need to buy the Chromebooks for their children and the school system only give devices to the students who really need them.

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