Typical school damage fee schedule
Pulled from public school device responsibility agreements across the US in 2026.
| Line | Low district | High district | With KBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracked screen | $50 | $180 | $0–$25 |
| Broken hinge | $40 | $140 | $0–$25 |
| Keyboard / palmrest | $45 | $120 | $0–$25 |
| Liquid damage | $80 | $400 | $0–$25 |
| Charging port | $30 | $110 | $0–$25 |
| Lost charger | $25 | $60 | Included |
| Full replacement | $220 | $400 | Plan dependent |
Your rights as a parent
- Right to see the published damage fee schedule before you sign the device agreement.
- Right to inspect the device condition at handout and have any existing damage documented.
- Right to appeal a fee through the district's formal process.
- Right to itemized billing showing parts and labor before paying.
- Right to ask whether a coverage option exists (most districts now offer one).
Watch out for
- Fees that exceed the published schedule.
- Charges for damage that existed at handout.
- Fines that double if not paid within a window.
- Replacement-cost billing on a device that could have been repaired.
- Mandatory coverage fees bundled into tuition without opt-out.
- Coverage programs with claim caps that secretly leave you exposed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a school device damage fee?+
A line item the district charges a family when an assigned school device is damaged outside normal use. Fees usually follow a published schedule (screen, hinge, motherboard, replacement) and are tied to the device responsibility agreement signed at the start of the year.
Can I dispute a school device damage fee?+
Yes in some cases. If the damage existed before the device was assigned, if the fee exceeds the published schedule, or if you were not given the schedule, you can ask for a review. Districts typically have a formal appeal process.
Can a school withhold my child's report card over a device fee?+
Most districts can hold report cards, transcripts, or graduation paperwork until family obligations are paid. State laws vary. Check your district's policy before assuming.
Are damage fees the same in every district?+
No. Fees vary widely. Some districts cap at $50 per claim. Others bill full parts and labor. Always ask for the published schedule and read your device responsibility agreement.
Does coverage prevent damage fees?+
It replaces them. If you are enrolled in KBS coverage, the school routes the claim to us instead of billing you. You pay a flat per-claim cost that is almost always lower than the district fee.