Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) did not keep accurate records for its Chromebook laptop computers> And as a result some of these laptops could not be located, according to a newly released report from the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
According to the 18-page report, MCPS “does not have a comprehensive regulation or procedure addressing Chromebook inventory management.”
The report was conducted as part of “the OIG’s mission to promote efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in county programs and operations.”
During 2024, MCPS spent about $19.5 million on new Chromebooks. The district has more than 200,000 of these computers. They mostly are used by students and are given to them individually. Other Chromebooks are used in the classroom.
“Through this review, the OIG found that MCPS could not account for all devices and inventory records related to Chromebooks were often inaccurate. Further, through testing done at 9 schools, the OIG found inconsistent inventory practices that were likely caused by the absence of formal policies and procedures governing the management of Chromebooks,” according to the OIG.
According to the report, MCPS only counts the computers during restocking at the end of the school year. At that time, MCPS does not connect the Chromebook with the individual student using it.
The investigators checked nine schools, including three high schools, three middle schools and three elementary schools.
In seven of those schools, investigators could not locate all of the devices in their sample. In the other two schools, data was not accurate because the Chromebooks were kept on classroom carts or stockrooms.
The OIG recommended five actions, including conducting periodic inventory reconciliations at all schools and maintaining up to date records. Also recommended is the implementation of regulations and detailed procedures outlining comprehensive inventory management controls.
MCPS should develop formal guidance regarding the assessment of fines for lost or damaged Chromebooks and require periodic training for all staff involved in inventory management, according to recommendations made by the OIG. The MCPS Office of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for the technology systems.
Finally, the OIG recommended the implementation of a formal process for investigating reported losses and inventory discrepancies.
MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor concurred with all of the recommendations.
He wrote in a letter that “MCPS will introduce a structured protocol for investigating inventory discrepancies to a set percentage of the school locations. This formalized process will promote transparency and accountability and will be implemented by October 2025. Furthermore, the updated regulations will include specific language regarding staff accountability in the event of inventory inconsistencies, with regulatory revisions expected by June 2026.
The review of Chromebook inventory was conducted between October 2024 and February 2025.
