Slippery Rock Area School District has 1,800 Chromebook laptops ready for distribution to students in the fall and will require insurance on the devices.

Susan Miller, the district's assistant superintendent, said all students from kindergarten through 12th grade will get their own laptop.

Students in grades three to 12 will be allowed to take their Chromebooks home, so the school board on Monday approved a motion mandating those students pay for insurance on their laptop. However, Miller said the insurance rate is relatively low at $16 per year per student.

“We are really happy we got a rate this low,” she said. “The kids will be able to take them home, which is why we're making it mandatory to address the wear and tear.”

Miller said the district bought protective equipment for each Chromebook as well, so they will be more difficult to damage. The $16 policy will cover the first repair at no charge, but further repairs may cost a larger deductible, she said.

According to Miller, the district is already looking at options to help parents who may have difficulty covering insurance costs.

“We're just trying to make it as easy for parents as possible,” Miller said.

Slippery Rock has been preparing for a one-to-one student to laptop ratio for a few years now.

The coronavirus pandemic demonstrated the need for the district to supply students with their own devices.

Miller said schools in the district have checked out laptops to students over the past school year, which she considers somewhat of a test launch.

The district has been working with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV to evaluate and make improvements on internet connectivity in the area.

“Our technology specialist ensures us we have access,” Miller said.