District prepares to approve Parent Square communication platform for better functionality

The Round Lake CUSD 116 Board of Education meeting on March 6, 2025, focused on the potential adoption of a new communication platform, Parent Square, to replace the current Remind program. The discussion highlighted ongoing issues with Remind, which has faced multiple functionality problems reported by teachers and school leaders.

Parent Square is designed to enhance communication between schools and families, offering features similar to Class Dojo but tailored for secondary education. Notable functionalities include automatic translation into preferred languages and customizable communication time preferences, allowing families to set specific hours for receiving messages. Urgent communications can override these preferences, ensuring important information is delivered promptly.

The board plans to review the proposal during the finance committee meeting on March 17, with a full board approval expected later that evening. A three-year contract is being proposed, and the board expressed the need to address potential concerns regarding the contract's terms and performance.

Sarah, a key contributor to the research and evaluation of Parent Square, shared positive feedback about the platform's usability and effectiveness. She will provide ongoing updates to the board, including a snapshot of the program's functionality.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of the board's monthly informational snapshot and a light discussion about social media trends, specifically TikTok. Overall, the board is optimistic about the transition to Parent Square, viewing it as a significant improvement in communication for the district.