Washington Community School District

Staff Laptop Computer Policy

This Staff Laptop Computer Policy is a supplement to the Washington Community School
District’s Computer Acceptable Use Policy and the District’s Tech Support policies. The
District’s Computer Acceptable Use Policy, Staff Laptop Computer Policy, and Tech Support
policies apply to the use of all laptop computers inside and outside the school premises and
staff members are expected to follow all of these policies when using the District’s laptop
computers.

The Washington Community School District has decided to allow staff to use the District’s
laptop computers inside and outside the school in order to enhance, enrich, and facilitate
teaching and administrative duties as well as school communications. The District’s laptops
are to be used as a productivity tool for school-related business, curriculum enhancement,
research, and communications. Staff members may use the District’s laptops for limited
personal purposes subject to this policy, the District’s Acceptable Use Policy, and the District’s
Tech Support policies. Staff members also shall exercise appropriate professional judgment
and common sense when using the District’s laptop computers.

All laptops and related equipment and accessories are District property and are provided to the
staff members for a period of time as deemed appropriate by the school’s administration. As a
condition of their use of the District’s laptop computers, staff members must comply with and
agree to all of the following:

 Prior to being issued one of the District’s laptop computers, staff members will sign the
Laptop Acceptance Form and agree to all outlined policies.

 Staff members should NOT attempt to install software or hardware or change the system
configuration including network settings without prior consultation with Tech Support.

 Staff members are expected to protect school laptops from damage and theft.

 Each staff member is monetarily responsible for any hardware damage that occurs off
school premises and/or software damage (including labor costs).

 Staff members will not be held responsible for computer problems resulting from regular
school-related use; however, staff members will be held personally responsible for any
problems caused by their negligence as deemed the District’s administration.

 Staff members will provide access to any laptop computer, equipment, and/or accessories
they have been assigned upon the District’s request.

General Laptop Use Rules

If you have important data on the laptop, such as grades, tests or exams, you must back it up
on your network folder as a safety precaution against hard drive failure. The seconds that it
takes to create a backup are well worth the frustration if/when the computer hard disk fails.
Since the laptop’s keyboard and touch pad are permanently attached to the rest of the system,
make sure that your hands are clean before using them. Because hand lotion is a major
contributing factor to dirt and dust, please make sure your hands are free from lotion before
using the computer. It is costly to change a laptop keyboard and/or touch pad that has been
damaged by excessive dirt.

Do not place drinks or food in close proximity to your laptop.

Extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature can damage a laptop. You should
NOT leave a laptop in an unattended vehicle.

When using the laptop, keep it on a flat, solid surface so that air can circulate through it. For
example, using the laptop while it is directly on a bed can cause damage due to overheating.

ALWAYS keep your laptop plugged into the supplied surge protector when it is plugged in or
charging.

How to Avoid Laptop Computer Theft

Due to size and portability, laptop computers are especially vulnerable to theft. Staff members
should follow the rules set out below. A staff member will be held personally responsible for
any District laptop computers, equipment, and/or accessories that are stolen during the time
they have been assigned to that staff member. Below are some tips on how to protect your
laptop from being stolen.

1. Do not leave a laptop in an unlocked vehicle, even if the vehicle is in your driveway or
garage. Never leave it in plain sight. If you must leave your laptop in a vehicle, the best
place is in a locked trunk. If you do not have a trunk, cover it and lock the doors.
2. Be aware of the damage extreme temperature can cause to computers.
3. Carry your laptop in a nondescript carrying case or bag when traveling.
4. Do not leave a meeting or conference room without your laptop. Take it with you.
5. Never check a laptop as luggage at the airport.
6. Lock the laptop in your office or classroom during off-hours or in a locked cabinet or desk
when possible.

If a theft does occur, immediately notify District’s Administration and Tech Support.
Laptop Policy Acceptance Form

Last Name______________________ First Name______________________ Building______________

I understand that all laptop computers, equipment, and/or accessories the District has
provided to me are the property of the Washington Community School District. I agree
to all of the terms in the District’s Staff Laptop Policy, the District’s Acceptable Use
Policy, and the District’s Tech Support policies. I will return the equipment to the District
in the same condition in which it was provided to me.

I understand that I am personally responsible for any damage to or loss of any laptop
computer and/or related equipment and accessories. In case of damage or loss I will
replace or pay the full cost of replacement of the damaged or lost equipment with
equipment of equal value and functionality subject to the approval of the District.

I will not install any additional software or change the configuration of the equipment in
any way without prior consultation with Tech Support.

I will not allow any other individuals to use any laptop computer and/or related
equipment and accessories that have been provided to me by the District.

I understand that a violation of the terms and conditions set out in the policy will result in
the restriction and/or termination of my use of the District’s laptop computers,
equipment, and/or accessories and may result in further discipline up to and including
termination of employment and/or other legal action.

Signature_____________________________________ Date_____________________

Home Phone _________________Model__________________ District ID # ________

Items Loaned / Condition – If used or damaged please make additional comments

____Item Loaned Condition __________

Computer Yes_____ No_____ New ___ Used____ Damaged____
Power Supply & Cord Yes_____ No_____ New ___ Used____ Damaged____
Video Adapter Yes_____ No_____ New ___ Used____ Damaged____
Surge Protector Yes_____ No_____ New ___ Used____ Damaged____
Laptop Bag Yes_____ No_____ New ___ Used____ Damaged____
Remote Control Yes_____ No_____ New ___ Used____ Damaged____

Comments: (overall condition, scratched, dented, bent, missing keys, missing parts)