Edutech streamlines budget amid transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota House Appropriations - Government Operations Division, discussions centered around the transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus, a new student information system. This change, anticipated to take place over the next year, is expected to bring both operational shifts and budgetary adjustments.

The transition to Infinite Campus will involve a significant reduction in the Edutech budget, with proposed cuts of approximately $1.4 million related to licensing fees for PowerSchool. Currently, the state holds perpetual licenses for PowerSchool, allowing continued access even after the transition. However, as the new system will operate on a subscription basis, the need for ongoing licensing funding for PowerSchool will diminish.

The meeting highlighted the implications of this transition for staffing as well. Currently, 12 full-time employees (FTEs) support PowerSchool through various roles, including help desk operations and system administration. With Infinite Campus set to provide comprehensive support under its contract, it is projected that only about four of these positions may be necessary moving forward. This shift raises questions about the future roles of existing staff and the potential for job reductions.

The discussions also touched on budgetary adjustments necessary to align with the new operational framework. A reduction of $553,000 was noted, which includes $500,000 in unused federal fund authority. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to establish a base budget that reflects the anticipated changes in educational technology support.

As the transition progresses, stakeholders will need to navigate the complexities of integrating new systems while managing budget constraints and staffing implications. The committee's ongoing discussions will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition that meets the needs of schools and students across North Dakota.