BARTLETT, Tenn. — Sixth grader Quenton Mullins Jr. was thrilled when he heard going to middle school meant getting his own laptop.
But Mullins Sr. didn’t expect to be forced to take out a $75 insurance policy to protect the laptop in case it disappeared.
The policy was on top of technology and activity fees already paid.
“You have to think about all students, not every student can afford the $75 fee. You gotta think about all students,” said the elder Mullins.
Putting computers in students hands cost millions.
Shelby County Schools tried it years ago but almost 25% of the computers vanished.
Bartlett said they haven’t had any complaints about their fee yet, but at a meeting at Bon Lin Middle Tuesday night the place was packed.
“I asked if we could use our own device. They said we didn’t make preparations, we can only use one platform,” said Mullins Sr.
The district said they would look into that, or maybe send printouts home for the kids who couldn’t afford the computer fee.
But that idea didn’t go over well where it really matters.
“It’s not going to be fair. Everyone wants their own. If one person has one and the other person don’t, they’re gonna feel bad,” said Mullins Jr.