Title and Board Action Requested
title
Approve the renewal of the ParentSquare communication platform, authorize the change in website hosts from SchoolNow to ParentSquare and authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order for $108,864.00
body
Executive Summary
The Director of Communications, on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, hereby requests the Board approve the renewal of the ParentSquare communication platform and authorize the purchase of SmartSites from ParentSquare for a combined total of $108,864.00.
ParentSquare was purchased to provide a single school-to-home communications platform, relieving the burden of using multiple separate modalities. This platform provides many features used by our stakeholders including district/school/teacher to home and vice versa SMS communication.
While reevaluating our current platforms compared to available products in the marketplace it was discovered that utilizing SmartSites would be a beneficial replacement to our current platform. SmartSites is advantageous due to the cross-platform interfacing capabilities with ParentSquare and Skyward and using it would save on overall cost for services.
It is our recommendation that the district utilize SmartSites for the HCSD website platform in conjunction with ParentSquare thus eliminating the current SchoolNow platform providing a more streamlined and centralized communications hub.
My Contact
Aaron Ellerman
Director of Communications
(352) 797-7009 ext. 70129
2023-28 Strategic Focus Area
Priority 4: Community Connection
Financial Impact
See attached budget sheet.
If expenditure is not currently budgeted, this will serve as the budget amendment when Board approved. If the agenda item includes the purchase of goods or services, the funds requested are an anticipated amount and may fluctuate depending on such factors as current market conditions, product availability, additional funding sources, and the needs of the District. Should the actual cost exceed the anticipated amount, the Board approves the additional cost, after review by the superintendent, but not in excess of the funds available in the site’s approved annual budget.