Technology Fees & Repair Costs

On June 12, 2026, the School Board approved a new Technology Insurance Fee structure starting in the 2026-2027 school year:

• K-2: $50 (strongly encouraged, but optional)
• Grades 3-9: $50 per student with a family cap of $175 annually
• Grades 10-12: $75 per student with a family cap of $175 annually

On June 11, 2025, the School Board approved a new Technology Insurance Fee structure starting in the 2025-2026 school year:

• Kindergarten: $50 (strongly encouraged, but optional)
• Grades 1-8: $50 per student with a family cap of $175 annually
• Grades 9-12: $75 per student with a family cap of $175 annually

On April 6, 2022, the School Board approved a new Technology Insurance Fee structure starting in the 2022-2023 school year:

• Grades K-8: $50 per student with a family cap of $175 annually
• Grades 9-12: $75 per student with a family cap of $175 annually

Prior to the new technology fee structure, the annual Technology Insurance Fee were as follows:

• Grades K-8: $75 per student
• Grades 9-12: $100 per student

The annual Technology Insurance Fee was optional through June 2020. Beginning September 2020, and because all students had devices home due to COVID, the fee became mandatory.

On April 6, 2022, the School Board approved a new Technology Insurance Fee structure starting in the 2022-2023 school year:

• Grades K-8: $50 per student with a family cap of $175 annually
• Grades 9-12: $75 per student with a family cap of $175 annually

Prior to the new Technology Insurance Fee structure, the annual tech fees were as follows:

• Grades K-8: $75 per student
• Grades 9-12: $100 per student

Yes, payment plans are available for families through Payschools. Please review these directions to apply partial payments.

Failure to pay the annual Technology Insurance Fee can impact your child’s ability to participate in non-academic school-sponsored activities. This might include participation in field day or field trips, attendance at school dances, or the ability to obtain a parking pass or walk in graduation for older students.

School taxes do help fund the initial purchase of the devices, and our district is grateful for that support. However, taxes don't cover the ongoing costs of repairs and replacements.

By utilizing the tech fee structure, we can help to protect all Downingtown residents by limiting tax increases. We can't predict exactly how many devices will need to be fixed each year.  We don't want to over-collect from taxpayers, and we certainly don't want to come up short. The tech fee allows us to create a dedicated pool of funds specifically for device repairs and replacements, ensuring we're prepared for whatever comes our way.

While the total annual tech fees do not cover the amount DASD spends on repairs or replacements, it does help to offset that cost. It is the most responsible way to manage these essential resources and our taxpayer's money.

Families may not opt-out of the one-to-one program.

DASD believes that technology use should not supersede quality education. Our goal is to strategically integrate technology to enhance your child's education, not to replace the crucial face-to-face interactions with their teachers and peers. 

During the elementary years, technology is intentionally used in a more limited way, focusing on foundational skills and supporting, not replacing, traditional teaching methods. As students progress through middle and high school, their exposure to and use of technology will gradually increase. Mirroring the expectations they will encounter in most colleges and future careers.

Providing equal access to the same technological tools and opportunities ensures every student can engage with the latest discoveries and perspectives, empowering teachers to personalize instruction and resources for individual learning needs.

The family cap is for the annual technology insurance fee and not technology repair costs.

Families do not receive refunds for the annual Technology Insurance Fee.
 

Approximately 80% of students will need their device repaired during their time in DASD schools. Even if your child is exceptionally careful, payment of the technology fee helps ensure that every student has access to a working device when they need it. It’s a shared responsibility to keep these valuable learning tools in students’ hands.