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District previews Finalsite website proposal to improve translations and ADA compliance
Summary
Staff presented a proposal to move the district website to Finalsite, citing improved multilingual capabilities, ADA accessibility tools and transition support; committee asked staff to gather two additional quotes before returning with a recommendation.
Aurora East USD 131 staff presented an informational briefing on selecting Finalsite as a potential new website host and content-management platform and asked the committee for guidance while collecting competing quotes.
Staff said the district's current web provider limits translation and accessibility features. The Finalsite package being considered would expand automatic translation into multiple languages and offer accessibility tools (screen-reader compatibility, color/contrast options, and built-in checks for document accessibility). Staff noted a multi-year federal accessibility requirement that will take effect in 2027 and said Finalsite can provide migration and remediation support for existing documents.
Staff also described an intention to streamline the district's communications platforms (SchoolMessenger, SchoolStatus, ParentSquare, Synergy and others) into a smaller set of tools over the next two years; Finalsite's more advanced packages include communications features but staff said the district has not yet decided on the full integration package. Staff confirmed that the district will collect at least three quotes before recommending a change and that no vote was being taken at the committee level; staff expect to perform preparatory work in the background and aim for a live transition in the summer prior to the 2026-27 school year if the board approves.
Committee members asked specifically about emergency texting and how the district currently alerts parents; staff replied that the district uses SchoolMessenger for systemwide messages, SchoolStatus for teacher-level messages, and other systems that could be integrated or replaced depending on procurement decisions.
