New $150 Fee at Lyons Township High School

LA GRANGE, IL — This fall, Lyons Township High School is planning to distribute Chromebook laptop computers for every student. This program is set to come with a new $150 fee.

"Considerable time, effort, research and coordination has been underway for several school years, and the timing is right for bringing a 1:1 program to LT," the school said in a statement Wednesday. "Technology consultants have helped facilitate major technology infrastructure improvements, and remote pandemic learning has proven that instruction with the aid of a computer is effective and relevant to students."

The computers can be picked up along with books in the fall, the school said. The new technology fee of $150 will be included in the online registration to offset the costs of buying the laptops and a portion of continuing technology improvements, according to the statement.

Lyons Township said it reviewed the fees of several dozen schools and that the fees average $175 for use of a laptop and associated insurance and other costs. For those that don't charge the separate technology fee, their overall registration is $300 or more, while Lyon Township's is only $25, the statement said.

The laptops will be required, and students cannot use their personal devices in place of the Chromebooks, the school said.

"Our Chromebook management system allows the district to quickly and efficiently make changes to software and device settings ensuring all students have access to required instructional resources, including specialize assessment programs that are only available on the Chromebook platform," the statement said.