Device Damage & Fees Policy

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What is considered Accidental Damage. Accidental damage refers to physical damage, breakage, or failure of Your Covered Equipment due to an unforeseen and unintentional event occurring either due to handling (e.g., dropping the Covered Equipment or through liquid contact) or due to an external event (e.g., extreme environmental or atmospheric conditions).

 

What is Accidental Damage/Damage Covered by Catalyst:  

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• Falls or breaks from transport

• Power surges

• Liquid spills

• Hardware failures​

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Negligence is not covered by Catalyst. What is considered Negligence. Negligence to laptops refers to actions or inactions that result in damage or reduced functionality of the device. This can include:

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• Leaving a device unattended/unsecured (i.e., in school, in/on car, at airport, at family members) Teachers can use their locked room as a secure location for their staff device.  

• Intentional damage to devices (i.e., keyboards, screens, chargers, ports, etc.) 

• Damage caused by unacceptable or inappropriate use as per Catalyst policy. 

• Physical Damage: Intentionally dropping a device, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or environments.  

• Poor Maintenance: Failing to wipe down/clean the keyboard, screen, and vents regularly, leading to dust buildup and overheating. Spray screen cleaner lightly on cloth and use it to wipe debris. Use compressed air or duster to clean vents.  

• Improper Handling: Transporting the laptop insecurely, using it on soft surfaces that block ventilation, or plugging in cables forcefully.  

• Neglecting Software Maintenance: Not updating the operating system and software, leading to security vulnerabilities and performance issues. 

• Ignoring Warning Signs: Continuing to use the laptop despite unusual noises, slow performance, or error messages. 

• Administrative Bypass and Intentional Exposure to Malware: Unlocking the managed settings set by Catalyst. Downloading software from untrusted sources or failing to use built-in antivirus protection.  

• Battery Mismanagement: Overcharging, frequently letting the battery completely drain, or using incompatible chargers.  

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The IT department will determine if the damage falls in the accidental or negligence category. Once determined, next steps are as follows:  

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• Accidental – device will be replaced. 

• Negligence – the corresponding fee will be applied to the scholar’s account. 

• ​A replacement device will be provided upon fee payment. ​

• Any scholar with three (or more) reported incidents within a 3-month period will receive the corresponding fee for negligence. 

 

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Charges and Fees

Please check Infinite Campus for Fees – guardians will receive an email with an invoice

• Any scholar with three (or more) reported incidents within a 3-month period will be penalized for negligence.

• A replacement pickup date will be scheduled as soon as possible. 

• Device replacement cost ($75)  

• Teacher Laptop Charger ($30)  

• Teacher Key FOB ($15)

• Scholar Charger ($25)

 

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If your Catalyst Schools property is damaged or stolen

Please follow this process:

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• Report it to your teacher and take the damaged device to IT or give it to the teacher you reported it to.  

• Email RSalas@catalystschools.org (CSM) or LMiller@catalystschools.org (CCR)