COEUR d’ALENE — As the future of the 2019-2020 school year hangs in the balance, the Coeur d'Alene School District wants to ensure every student can participate in remote education.

The district is offering free Google Chromebook device checkout to allow students without access to plug into educational resources during this critical time in their academic journeys.

"At this point we can't know if the school building closure will last a few more weeks or longer," school district communications director Scott Maben said Monday. "We have been providing at-home learning resources online, but we know not all families have a device that their students can use, or internet access. Some households may have multiple children sharing one device."

Maben said the district has received more than 1,600 requests from families in need of tech for their children to use.

Since Coeur d'Alene schools closed March 16, the district has provided several resources on www.cdaschools.org to keep students engaged, in addition to what their teachers have instructed them to do. Maben said plans for formal remote education are in the works.

"Having access to technology is important for these families, especially as we provide remote learning next week and for as long as necessary," he said. "Teachers will post weekly materials through Google Classroom and other platforms, and so we want to be sure students are connected."

Families can make requests using the student device checkout form on the district's website. They also need to fill out and sign Form 3275F, a mobile computing device agreement.

For middle and high school students who have made the request, distribution is scheduled Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at each school. Families are asked to use the student dropoff lane at their student's middle or high school and remain in the vehicle until a staff member is available to help.

Students are required to bring a signed copy of Form 3275F, their student ID card and their own pen. They'll receive a Chromebook and charger.

Elementary school checkout will be next Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. Additional checkout windows will be held in the future.

Email techhelp@cdaschools.org for assistance with student devices and accounts.