L4E Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

FAQs as of 08/29/2024. We will continue to update this page as questions come in.

What happens if my laptop is lost or stolen?

If your laptop is lost or stolen, please follow the district's process for reporting lost or stolen district-owned equipment. You may request a temporary loaner device suitable for work while you wait for a replacement device to be issued.

See a visual of the process (must log in with SFUSD account) -- In this context, negligence is defined as stolen from a vehicle or lost outside of the country.

For more information, please read the SFUSD Acceptable Use Policy and Employee/User Equipment Release Form and Agreement form.

What happens if my laptop is damaged?

If your laptop is damaged, immediately contact the Department of Technology by creating a service request ticket. You may request a temporary loaner device suitable for work while you wait for a replacement device to be issued. 

See a visual of the process (must log in with SFUSD account) -- In this context, negligence is defined as damaged from liquid spills.

For more information, please read the SFUSD Acceptable Use Policy and Employee/User Equipment Release Form and Agreement form.

What are the laptops and accessories being offered in the L4E program?

Device availability is dependent upon existing inventories:

Apple MacBook Air 13" (13-inch / 1.8GHz i5 CPU / 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD)

    • VGA / HDMI Adapter

How do I install Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) on my L4E device?

Microsoft Office is no longer available as a locally installed standalone application and is now only accessible as an online service through Office 365. This experience is similar to Google Workspace, with enhanced collaboration, real-time updates, and the convenience of accessing your Office 365 files from any device with an internet connection. 

Previously installed versions of Microsoft Office can only be used in read-only mode.

To get started using Office 365 online, visit office.com and log in using your SFUSD email address and password. You'll find all the familiar Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition to opening Microsoft Office files through Office 365, please note that Google Workspace can now open most Microsoft Office files, providing greater flexibility in how you work.

Opening Microsoft Office Files in Office 365:

- Log in to office.com.

- Open your preferred App (Word, Excel, etc.)

- Click "File", then "Open" and “Open files from this device” to choose the desired file.

Opening Microsoft Office Files in Google Drive:

- Log in to Google Drive.

- Open your preferred App (Docs, Sheets, etc.)

- Click "File", then "Open" and “Upload” to choose the desired file.

Helpful support resources may be found at this link: Office 365 Support.

How do I install a printer on the MacBook Air?

Teachers with a Laptops for Educators (L4E) MacBook Air can self-install school printers by following the directions presented in this brief video: Self-install printers on L4E MacBook Air.

What are the eligibility requirements for a teacher to receive a laptop?

  • Full-time (0.5 and above), certificated teacher in grades K-12 taking attendance.
  • Full-time (0.5 and above) SPED teachers. SPED teachers at K-5 sites are eligible as well.
  • Counselors at middle schools, high schools, and K-8 sites are eligible.
  • School site administrators are eligible.
  • Other certificated staff are eligible as well.

See additional eligibility information and requirements

How can I exchange an older laptop for a newer one?

If you are due for a refresh and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can email help@sfusd.edu to schedule a date and time to exchange your laptop at one of our locations provided in the ticket.

What if a teacher is leaving their current site for another SFUSD school?

When a laptop is assigned to a teacher they must take the device and the accessories to his or her next SFUSD site.

What if a teacher leaves SFUSD (Retiring, Resigning, or Other)?

If you are permanently leaving the district for any reason, you must return your device by following the L4E device return instructions.

I will be leaving my current SFUSD site, but may continue working for SFUSD at a different site, but a location has not been confirmed.

If a position is not confirmed by June 1st, the laptop must be returned to the Department of Technology by following the L4E device return instructions.

I received notification to return my laptop by the end of the school year because I am not assigned to a SFUSD site for the following semester; however, I am teaching summer school at a SFUSD site. May I keep the laptop for summer school use?

Teachers may continue to use the assigned laptop for their summer school assignment. After the assignment has been completed, and a position is not confirmed for the following semester by the end of their summer school placement, the laptop must be returned to the Department of Technology by following the L4E device return instructions.

I've recently changed, or will change my job code in the next semester. May I keep my device?

Please see the eligibility information & requirements to see if you are still eligible. If not, you must return the laptop by following the L4E device return instructions.

What if a teacher would like to opt out of the L4E program and no longer wants a L4E laptop?

You can return your laptop by following the L4E device return instructions.

Can SFUSD sites reassign laptops?

No. Individuals are assigned to their device, and will be accountable if it is unreturned. If a teacher does not want an assigned L4E laptop they must return it along with any peripheries to the Department of Technology by following the L4E device return instructions.

Can I swap my laptop for a different model?

The only device available is MacBook Air 13" (13-inch / M1 / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD).

Can I swap my laptop with another teacher?

No. Individuals are assigned to their device, and will be accountable if it is unreturned. Laptops are assigned to an educator, and must return the device to the Department of Technology if the educator is leaving SFUSD or would like to opt out of the L4E program.

See the L4E device return instructions

Can anyone else use my machine?

Only the user to whom the device is distributed to can log-in to the device using SFUSD log-in credentials.

I'm going on sabbatical or leave of some sort, but plan on returning to the district. What should I do with my laptop?

If you are temporarily leaving the district on sabbatical, maternity, health, or family leave, or any other type of leave with the intention of returning, you have the option of keeping the device if you will return within the same semester.

If the leave extends beyond the length of a semester, then your device must be returned to the Department of Technology by following the L4E device return instructions.

Please do not redistribute your device to anyone else on campus because you are accountable for all devices assigned to you.

Please call Help Desk at 415-241-6476 for additional information.

This page was last updated on August 29, 2024