mLISD: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

mLISD is an optional program. A non-refundable, non-transferable security deposit is required for students using a district-issued device.

• High School (Grades 9–12): $60 per year
• Middle School (Grades 6–8): $40 per year
• No cost for students who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals

This deposit helps cover a wide range of services, including technical support, maintenance, and accidental damage protection.

Need assistance? Hardship Scholarships are available. For more information, please check our mLISD: Scholarship page or email us at [email protected]

No. Leander ISD is transitioning to a learning environment that provides access to a wider range of educational materials and experiences, including both digital and print resources.

Instructional materials will continue to be selected through the Instructional Materials Adoption (IMA) process.

Leander ISD uses a CIPA-compliant (Children’s Internet Protection Act) content filtering system to block potentially harmful or inappropriate material when students access the internet on the district network.

• Filtering is always active while using the Leander ISD network
• The system is automated and may not block all inappropriate content
• Students are expected to be responsible digital citizens when using online resources

While the district takes strong measures to protect students, no filtering system is 100% effective. Parents/guardians should be aware that students may still encounter inappropriate content or make online purchases.

For more information:

• Visit the Leander ISD Internet Filtering FAQ page
• Explore online safety resources at http://www.onguardonline.gov/

Leander ISD takes the security and privacy of student information very seriously and is committed to protecting student data. The district follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including:

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• Applicable provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• LISD Policy: FL (Legal) and FL (Local)

How student data is protected

• All software and websites go through a Software Approval Process
• Applications are reviewed to ensure secure data practices and educational use only
• Vendors must meet strict data privacy and security standards
• All third-party vendors are required to sign a Digital Safety Agreement (DSA) to protect student information

Leander ISD continuously reviews and improves its processes to ensure best practices in student data protection.

Yes. Both Windows laptops (High School) and Chromebooks (Middle School) can be used without internet access, but functionality is limited to files saved on the device and installed applications.

Because many teachers rely on Google apps and other online tools, internet access may be needed to fully complete some assignments.

Students can also access free Wi-Fi at local libraries, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the LISD community.

As part of the mLISD program, students are expected to care for and maintain district-issued devices and accessories. Fines may be assessed for loss, intentional damage, or missing accessories according to district guidelines.

Intentional Damage

A fine may be issued if a device shows signs of intentional damage, such as:

• Broken screens caused by force
• Tampering with internal components
• Markings or defacement that interfere with device use

Parents/guardians will receive a fine notice detailing the nature of the damage and the cost of repair or replacement. Please see the attachment included with the Incident IQ (IQ) statement for specific details.

Lost or Stolen Power Supplies

A $30 fine will be assessed if a student’s power supply is lost or stolen and a replacement is issued.

Not Returned Devices

At the end of the school year, students have the opportunity to renew their participation to keep their devices over the summer and be set for the next school year.

• If a student does not renew, the device and power supply must be returned on their campus device collection day in May.
• Failure to return the device or power supply will result in a fine.
• Fines will be removed once the device and power supply are returned or if the student renews participation for the next school year.

Fine Appeals

To appeal a fine, please complete this form: Technology Appeals Form.

For more information on fines, please review the mLISD Student & Parent Handbook.

Currently, a device is replaced after four years.

Yes. Students will be provided a case for the first laptop they receive during device distribution. Students may also choose to use a case they have purchased on their own.

Yes. Just like current campus technology and BYOT, students must log in to the LISD network using their student credentials. This provides access to network drives and ensures appropriate internet filtering.

Important Note: To receive important updates and comply with district inventory policies, students are expected to bring and use their mLISD devices daily, or at a minimum, at least once per week. Devices that do not regularly connect to the District’s network may be assumed lost and could result in a fine.

While at home, when students log into their computers, the experience will be identical to that at school, including appropriate internet filtering. 

LISD is aware of growing network demands and continuously monitors internet usage and wireless capabilities. Adjustments will be made as needed to support the needs of students and teachers throughout the district.

The non-refundable security deposit that students pay when they receive their laptops or Chromebooks includes coverage for accidental damage or a manufacturer’s defect. The students should bring their laptops to the student tech team in the campus library. If the issue cannot be resolved within a 10-15-minute timespan, the student will be issued a replacement device while the student’s laptop is being repaired.

Manufacturer Defect

All manufacturer defects will be covered.

Accidental Damage

If the laptop or Chromebook needs to be repaired or replaced due to accidental damage, there will be no charge to the student. However, if the device is damaged beyond repair more than once in the same year, a fine will be charged for the repair or replacement of the device.

Note: Two or more instances of damage beyond repair within a school calendar year will be considered
neglect, and the parent or guardian will be responsible for the full repair or replacement cost.

Intentional Damage

If the damage to the laptop or Chromebook is due to intentionally destructive behavior, a fine will be charged for the repair or replacement of the device.

More information in the mLISD Student & Parent Handbook

Campus and district staff will work to locate and retrieve lost or stolen devices that are attached to the LISD network. 

Lost Devices

• First loss: Student/guardian pays half of the replacement cost.
• Second loss (same school year): Student/guardian pays full replacement cost.
• Returned device: If returned within the same school year in reasonable condition, a refund may be issued, minus any repair costs.

Stolen Devices

• First theft: If a police report is filed and reasonable precautions were taken, the replacement fine may be waived.
• Second theft (same school year): Student/guardian pays full replacement cost.
• Recovered device: If recovered within the same school year in reasonable condition, a refund may be issued, minus repair costs.

Note: The current prices (subject to change) are Lenovo 11e: $508, Lenovo 13W: $638, Lenovo Chromebook: $312.

Yes. Devices can be renewed for the following school year, starting April 1. Campuses will provide information on the renewal process.

Students who renew their devices between April 1 and their campus’s device collection day will be able to keep their devices over the summer.

If a device is not renewed in April or May, it must be returned during scheduled times at each campus. Students may not receive the same device at the start of the next school year.

• High School laptops: Windows 11 and Microsoft Office suite
• Middle School Chromebooks: Chrome OS
• Access to district-licensed software and applications through the LISD Self-Service Portal

Yes. Printing will be available on campus.

District devices should be able to print over the network at homes.  However, there are some scenarios that would prevent this functionality.   To print your work, we recommend one of the following: 

• Connect your device to your home printer over WiFi using the operating system’s settings menu.  In many cases, the computer will already have a driver for your printer.
• Connect your device to your home printer using a USB cable.  In many cases, the computer will already have a driver for your printer.
• If you can’t make a direct connection to your printer, save your work and print it out at school on the following day.

No. Students cannot install personal software or games. Most applications are distributed through the Software Center, and elevated privileges are required for installations.

• The security deposit is waived for students who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals.
• Hardship scholarships are available for families in need, and may cover up to half of the deposit.

For more information:

• Visit the mLISD Scholarship page.
• Contact your campus counselor or email [email protected]

Leander ISD partners with the Leander Excellence in Education Foundation and other organizations to support the scholarship program. Parents, teachers, and community members can also donate to the fund.

We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to these devices, regardless of financial circumstances.

The mLISD laptops are essential learning tools for all secondary students. Teachers design instruction assuming students have access to these or similar devices. When possible, provisions will be made in class for students without a device.

No. The laptop or Chromebook is just one of many learning tools. Students will use the most appropriate tools for their learning, including textbooks, notebooks, library resources, specialized software, or other internet-enabled devices. Students are expected to bring their device to school every day, fully charged.

LISD technology may remotely disable (lock) any student device in these cases:

• The mLISD annual security deposit has not been paid by the end of the school year
• The student fails to return their device to campus before the end of the school year
• Not regularly connected to the District’s Network and have not responded to our initial attempts to comply with district inventory policies.

Follow the steps in this Disabled Device Unlock Process to regain access.