Cracked screens, chewed-on cords, keyboard spills: What tech guys see from school-issued computers

But if you think about it, computers plus kids of all ages, you know that can lead to problems.

5 On Your Side’s Monica Laliberte found stacks and stacks of broken computers inside the repair shop at Wake County Public schools.

Kevin Harvey is head of Technology Services.

When Monica asked about the craziest thing he’s seen, Harvey laughed saying "Oh, I don’t know if I could say, I mean, we’ve seen some devices that have really been through the ringer."

5 On Your Side saw piles labeled "broken screens," physical damage and spill damage, which Harvey says those are common issues.

One computer he showed us had a cracked screen.

"A lot of times when we see damage like this, this is where somebody left a pen laying in here and closed the screen," he said.

Some screens have more subtle cracks, others have broken hinges.

"This is not likely something that the user did," said Harvey. "This is something that the hinge failed and so that’s something that would be covered by warranty."

Spill damage isn’t usually as obvious.

"Sometimes something will spill on the keyboard and it will still work and I’ll think `I’m okay, I’m in the clear.’ And then a day or two later, something will be damaged on the inside that moisture will be collected and it’ll stop working," said Harvey.

Pets are another problem.

"We do see a fair number of pets that get into devices in one way or another," he said. "Often the power cords are a good target for dogs, they like to chew on those."

"The literal dog ate my homework," added Harvey.

The good news he says, overall, the number of damaged computers they see is relatively low.

"We don’t see a large percentage of devices that are broken, most of our students by and large treat their devices very carefully," said Harvey.

And he stresses, when a device has an issue to let the school system handle repairs.

Chromebooks cost the county $304 each, that includes the case.

The recent school bond covered the cost of all of the computers being handed out.