What Are Break/Fix Services in K–12 Schools?
How can schools manage the upkeep of their device fleets in this challenging environment? This is where break/fix programs come in. These programs keep devices in top shape and in students’ hands so they can focus on learning. Schools have two options for their break/fix programs: They can make repairs in-house, or they can use a maintenance service provider.
How Self-Repair Break/Fix Programs Work in Schools
Since the 2016 start of its one-to-one program, the Beaverton (Ore.) School District has been doing its own repair work on student devices. “We already had staff that were repairing devices piecemeal,” explains BSD CIO Steve Langford. “We created a tiered system, with our tech support specialists trained to handle simple repairs right at the school and do more advanced repairs centrally in the district office.”
With a fleet of more than 65,000 devices, the district maintains strong relationships with device manufacturers. It leverages those relationships for easy access to device parts — essential for a successful self-repair break/fix program. Some in-warranty repair work done by BSD technicians earns credit toward future device purchases.
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Langford cites efficiency as one of the drivers for BSD’s investment in its self-repair program. That sentiment is echoed by Don Ringelestein, executive director of technology at Yorkville (Ill.) Community Unit School District 115. “The primary value of our break/fix program is its quick turnaround time,” Ringelestein says. “When we take devices aside for repairs, we have loaner devices we give to students so they don’t experience downtime and can keep their focus on learning.”