Title and Board Action Requested
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Approve the Renewal of the ParentSquare communication platform and authorize the purchase of the Engage Package from ParentSquare for $88,480.00.
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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 the Engage Package from ParentSquare for $88,480.00.
ParentSquare is a communication platform, purchased in August 2023, to address two issues:
1. Existing school-to-home communication tools were not able to meet student data privacy requirements and therefore, could not be used.
2. Because schools could adopt any of the tools named above, parents expressed frustration that, with children enrolled at multiple schools, it became burdensome to download multiple apps to receive information from each school.
In response to these issues, a team of technology and academic staff vetted alternative platforms that would address both issues. The team chose ParentSquare because of the quality of the product, ease of integration and its ability to meet all data privacy requirements.
However, while ParentSquare was implemented and adopted by all schools as their school-to-home communication platform, HCSD maintained its contract with Finalsite (formerly Blackboard) as a communication platform to reach parents and staff for urgent and non-urgent school-to-home and district-to-home notifications.
As we look ahead, it is the recommendation to the Board that HCSD streamline its communication efforts and purchase ParentSquare as the single platform for all district-to-home communications and discontinue using Finalsite. Further, we recommend that the district upgrade the current contract with ParentSquare adding vital features to ensure efficient and urgent communications remain in place.
This purchase received board consensus at the March 12 workshop.
My Contact
Karen Jordan
Director of Communications
(352) 797-7009 ext. 129
2023-28 Strategic Focus Area
Priority 3: 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.