Just thought I'd throw my $0.02 into the mix...
2 years ago we decided to go with a combination of PowerSchool and
FinalSite.
We rolled out PowerSchool first because our SASI setup was holding together
by threads, I used to pace with a tennis ball when report cards were
running, just hoping they would come out.
What I liked about PowerSchool (and still do after 2 years):
-solid platform to start from, the database (Oracle) and interfaces are
solid
-easy for everyone to use, we didn't want to overwhelm our teachers and this
seemed to be the least overwhelming
-It offers plenty of flexibility for customizing it to fit your school's
needs
-good user's group
-We run it off our own server, so we have ultimate control which is
important to us
That said, I would agree with others who say it's a love-hate relationship
with the SIS vendor. I've rarely had good technical support that talked at
my level, and overall the sales staff are not what they used to be in the
sense that they won't help you if you come back later with a problem. The
more complicated customizing is time consuming, which can be a problem with
IT departments being understaffed. Then I go and look at other systems, and
am reminded why I went with PowerSchool.
On the FinalSite end:
-great team
-solid platform that continues to evolve to meet our needs (sometimes we're
ahead of them, sometimes they're ahead of us)
-great design team, it was as if they got inside our committee's heads to
see what we really were thinking
-haven't had any problems in 2 years, and I can't say that about many
vendors
-just wish they integrated better with PowerSchool, and I keep reminding
them of it
So, 2 years in we're happy, it's not perfect but not bad either. We've got 3
years left on a 5-year contract with FinalSite, and I just paid for another
year of support and updates with PowerSchool.
+++Jeff
On 10/8/09 8:41 AM, "Jonathan Pratt" <jon.pratt@foxcroftacademy.org> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> We're in the midst of going full board with MMS for Schools
> (Generations) - we use it for biographical, daily and classroom
> attendance, scheduling, grading (traditional and standards-based) and
> reporting, and discipline. There is also a fee module, but we're not
> currently using it. In the past we've not used MMS for grading - we
> used an in-house FileMaker Pro solution since we have a standards-
> based curriculum and grading system - but now that they can
> accommodate our grading needs, we're going all-in. The software has a
> web module for parent, student, and teacher access (teacher functions
> include a grade book, grade entry, and classroom attendance), and the
> database is in SQL format to make it easy to use 3rd party software.
> Their website is www.cri-mms.com.
>
> Best of luck,
>
> -JP
>
> Jonathan Pratt
> Academic Dean
> Foxcroft Academy
> 975 West Main Street
> Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
> 207-564-8351 x1517
> jon.pratt@foxcroftacademy.org
>
> On Oct 7, 2009, at 9:36 AM, Brandon Watkins wrote:
>
>> Hello Everyone,
>>
>> We are looking at switching to a different provider for our school
>> management software. We are currently using Senior Systems, but are
>> looking
>> to make a change. I was wondering which software package or packages
>> others
>> are using for student management, gradebook, registrar etc. and if
>> you are
>> using a package that integrates business office functions such as
>> accounts
>> payable and receivable and if not what accounting software you are
>> using.
>>
>> Thank you for your time,
>>
>> Brandon Watkins
>> Director of Technology
>> The Independent School
>>
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