Students information system chosen
Selection of a new student information system will bring about greater efficiency, effective services and will offer potential home access of data for staff and parents. That is the rationale behind a decision to switch to a new software program to manage student data.
A Student Information System Evaluation Committee evaluated seven student management systems against a list of criteria and recommended Software Technology, Inc. (STI). The committee recommended STI because it:
- has user-friendly navigation and a stable environment;
- uses innovative and progressive technology;
- offers an electronic gradebook, skills-standards gradebook used in elementary school and lesson planner;
- is used successfully in more than 7,000 schools;
- has a principal module allowing building adminsitrators to view each teacher’s gradebook, access lesson plans and grade distribution, and print up-to-the-minute student progress reports;
- offers staff and parents potential home access to student data including web-based progress reports and report cards;
- includes a health component to track immunizations, health room visits and emergency contact information;
- is compatible with the district’s current network structure; and
- interfaces with state reports including Title I, the School Performance Report and the Enrollment Report.
The initial investment for the STI system is $130,002 with annual costs estimated to be the same as for the current system of eSchool which is $16,917.In addition, the district would need to purchase $27,046 for computer hardware.
High school student recognized
Hamilton Business Education Teacher Toni Hillmann and District Public Information Coordinator Denise Dorn Lindberg presented Hamilton High School student Tyler Kowalchuk for School Board recognition. Kowalchuk was nominated for the School Board recognition for his work on the district web site and development of two high school sites including the Charger Corner and Business Education sites. In addition to web site work, Kowalchuk created a template for an employee intranet that will be launched next fall.
New phone system in the works
The district’s 10-year-old telephone system will be replaced because the manufacturer no longer does business in the U.S. and replacement parts are difficult to obtain. The School Board approved a committee recommendation to go with the company that offered the lowest proposal. DigiCorp’s proposal of a $67,884 system was accepted.
Replacement computers approved
The School Board approved purchase of 216 desktop and 18 notebook replacement computers for a total cost of $205,794. The district attempts to maintain a 5-year replacement schedule for its computers. The School Board accepted the bid from MPC, formerly Omnitech, Inc., at a cost of $837 for each desktop and $1,389 for each laptop unit. The desktop units come with a 5-year warranty, and all the computers are assured to interface properly with district software. They have Pentium 4 processors.
Cooperative hockey program OK’d
The district will partcipate in a cooperative co-ed hockey program with two other districts. The district has participated in the cooperation program with Menomonee Falls in the past, but this year Germantown will join the team. Costs will be prorated among the three schools based on the number of student participants.
Personnel matter approved
In personnel matters, the School Board:
- approved leaves of absence for the 2004-05 school year for Woodside Elementary School third grade teacher Joanne Kubisch and Templeton Middle School eighth grade science teacher Carey Celske;
- accepted the resignation of Marcy Elementary School teacher Karen Pertzborn who is moving to the Madison area; and
- appointed Karen Glawe as a Woodside Elementary School Special Service paraprofessional effective Feb. 16, Susan Moll as a Hamilton High School administrative assistant effective July 1, and Kristin Oliva as Templeton Middle School eighth grade science teacher effective in the 2004-05 school year.