COLUMBUS, Ohio — Elementary and middle school students at Columbus City Schools will no longer be allowed to take home Chromebooks.
During a board meeting on Tuesday, CCS Chief of Strategy and Performance Russell Brown announced that students in kindergarten through 8th grade cannot bring laptops home with them.
Brown cited loss and breakage as the reason for the policy change, needing to come up with a more sustainable model. K-8 students will still have one device in their classrooms and can use it at school, but the laptops must stay in the classroom.
Brown said the district is looking at a process where there will be a limited number of laptops that can be checked out of the buildings, similar to checking out a book from a library, but nothing appears to be finalized.
High school students will still be allowed to take home Chromebooks.
A statement from the district says the policy change will make sure devices are available for students every day.
"Keeping Chromebooks at school allows us to better maintain the devices, ensure they are updated, and minimize the risk of damage or loss. This way, we can significantly enhance the learning experience and ensure that every student has access to the necessary technology in class, fostering a more engaging and dynamic learning environment," the statement says.
Brown said about 52,000 Chromebooks have been inventoried as of last Friday and the district is well-positioned to provide a laptop for every student.
Brown said the district also substantially trimmed back the number of available hot spots for students. While it was a necessity during the pandemic, Brown said that isn't the case anymore.
"We've become much more targeted in the use of hot spots for students who, there is a clear need. For example, students who are homeless or students who might be in foster care where we may need to supply something to help them have access," Brown said.
CCS will welcome students back on Aug. 21.