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SAS warns that Michigan’s EVAS data set could be deleted if contract funding lapses
Summary
SAS Institute told the subcommittee the Education Visualization and Analytics Solution (EVAS) contains longitudinal data from 2013–2023 that districts opt into; the SAS representative said contract data-destruction clauses mean the hosted dataset could be removed within months unless the state renews the contract or funding.
Katrina Miller, director of educational partnerships at the SAS Institute, told the subcommittee that Michigan’s Education Visualization and Analytics Solution (EVAS) combines MDE records, district opt-ins and teacher linkage data to create a longitudinal dataset stretching back to 2013.
Miller said over 90% of intermediate school districts have at least one district providing data to the platform and that the system offers both retrospective analyses and forward‑looking projections for district leaders. On contract terms and continuity, Miller raised a funding and retention concern: "Because of the data destruction language we have in our contract, we will begin the [removal] of that information basically in April. The contract ends then, and if we don't get renewed funding in a renewed contract, that will go away," she said, adding that the data resides with SAS only because districts and MDE have opted in to share it.
Committee members asked how many districts use the tool with fidelity and whether districts fear EVAS would be used as an accountability 'hammer.' Miller acknowledged mixed uptake—some districts use EVAS actively for diagnostic and program-evaluation work while others limit access out of concern for public accountability.
Miller offered to meet with members and demonstrate the tool; the subcommittee did not take action on the EVAS contract during the meeting.
