HORRY COUNTY, SC- Parents can expect to pay less for iPads and tablets next year. A spokesperson for Horry County School said the district agreed to lower the fee parents pay at registration.
Last year, school officials asked parents to pay a $50 insurance if their student wanted to take the device home. Digital Communications Coordinator Ashley Gasperson said they made some modifications for the 2015-2016 school year.
According to Gasperson, 6-12 graders will be asked to pay a $25 technology fee.
“Insurance can kind of seem misleading for some, so went with a fee as opposed to just to insurance,” said Gasperson.
While $25 will cover any maintenance, Gasperson said it doesn’t cover damages. If a child breaks his or her device, they’ll have to pay an additional $25 and that amount increases per incident.
– 1st Offense: $25
– 2nd Offense: $50
– 3rd Offense: Total cost of damage
Gasperson told News 13 the schools currently track each time a device is damaged. She said there are very few repeat offenders, but it happens.
A parent can choose not to pay the $25 fee at registration, but Gasperson said their child will not be allowed to take the device home and the parent will assume financial liability.
All 5th graders will receive iPads next year, which Gasperson said are covered under Apple Care. In addition, 5th graders will not be subject to any fees because they will not be allowed to take the iPads home.
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