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Superintendent outlines PowerSchool move, internet upgrades and recommends $750,000 capital reserve
Summary
Superintendent Tomko discussed the districts switch to PowerSchool, recent internet speed improvements with MindsEye Technology, a new workflow system (Intellicate), summer facilities work including a scoreboard and feeding program, and recommended moving $750,000 into capital reserve and establishing a maintenance reserve.
Superintendent Thomas Tomko updated the Garfield Board of Education on technology and facilities work completed over the summer and recommended setting aside $750,000 in a capital reserve for planned projects.
Tomko said the district is completing a transition to PowerSchool as its student information system and that several PowerSchool modules already existed in district workflows. He described PowerBuddy, a parent-facing PowerSchool tool that tracks assignments and missing work. Tomko thanked the technology team and district staff for work on the transition.
Tomko said the district also plans to implement Intellicate, a new workflow system to replace several facilities and management processes. He reported recent network diagnostic work with MindsEye Technology had doubled speeds in some buildings after cabinet and switch reconfigurations; he said additional configurations were planned over three upcoming weekends to extend improved speeds to elementary schools.
Facilities work over the summer included work at the fieldhouse and installation of a new scoreboard expected to be operational for the first game of the season, and continued maintenance and custodial projects following a recent facilities tour.
Tomko recommended establishing or increasing a capital reserve to $750,000 to be restricted for capital projects, and described a maintenance reserve (he referenced a $350,000 target during remarks) to provide cash flow for repairs. He said the maintenance reserve can be adjusted as needed but that funds restricted for capital projects will protect money for long-term needs.
Public commenters asked about the MindsEye Technology contract and timing for large payments. Marlena Zawatska, a resident, asked why the district would sign a contract for $720,000 (as she stated) before seeing the system operate with students in classrooms; she asked whether the board should wait to see performance with students present. The superintendent responded that MindsEye is an established vendor that had already helped restore connectivity and that tests during the summer showed improvements.
Why it matters: Upgrading the student information system, network capacity and facilities conditions affects classroom operations and parent access to student information; capital and maintenance reserve decisions determine how the district funds and prioritizes repairs and new construction.
Ending: The board approved facilities resolutions and moved forward with the consent blocks that include related projects; the district said it will prioritize projects for the new capital reserve and bring a recommended list to the board for approval.
