The Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) Board Meeting on December 10, 2024, focused on a significant proposal to enhance the district's communication tools and website development. The board discussed the approval of a $45,000 contract with FinalSight, a reputable vendor known for its work with various school districts in Wisconsin, to create a new district website and a custom mobile app.

Dr. Jake Conrad, along with Nicole Sedali and Lisa Kefzel, presented the proposal, emphasizing the need for improved communication between schools and families. The new website will include approximately 25 school websites and a refreshed site for the recreation department. The plan also involves replacing the current mass communication platform, School Messenger, which has been in use for over a decade and has shown limited updates and support.

The new system aims to streamline communication by integrating various tools into one platform, allowing for mass notifications via email, text, voice messages, and mobile app notifications. This will not only simplify communication for staff but also enhance family engagement by providing easier access to information. The mobile app will feature two-way communication capabilities and support multiple languages, addressing the diverse needs of the district's families.

The board expressed enthusiasm for the proposal, highlighting its potential to improve engagement and communication efficiency. The implementation timeline is projected to take about 30 weeks, with a tentative launch set for the next school year. Board members acknowledged the importance of training for staff, including substitutes, to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing communication and engagement within the school community, marking a significant step forward in their long-range planning efforts.