Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Aptigy 'Rooms' to replace Remind for district communications
Summary
The board approved a contract to replace the Remind classroom communication platform with Aptigy 'Rooms', consolidating district communications under Aptigy; staff said the new service costs about $18,000 annually plus a reduced setup charge if payments start in the next fiscal year.
The Columbus County Board of Education approved entering a contract with Aptigy to adopt the company's 'Rooms' product as the district's classroom-to-home communication platform, replacing Remind following the vendor’s platform changes.
Mr. Jones explained the rationale: Remind has been acquired and is being migrated to ParentSquare, and the district wants a single platform that integrates district communications and teacher-to-parent messaging. He described the financials presented to the board: the district currently pays about $15,000 for Remind; the Aptigy Rooms solution was quoted at roughly $18,000 annually plus a setup charge, and staff said the vendor offered to reduce the one-time setup cost if the district commits to the contract in the current fiscal year with payments beginning July 1.
Mr. Jones told the board he had checked with neighboring districts and vendors and recommended Aptigy based on user support and integration benefits. Board members asked about annual and setup costs and whether Aptigy covers all classroom and district communication functions; staff said Aptigy handles district communications and the Rooms feature handles teacher-to-parent messaging, consolidating several existing channels.
The board approved the contract by voice vote. Board members acknowledged there will be a learning curve for staff and parents as the district moves to a new platform.
Next steps: Staff will finalize contract terms, schedule an implementation timeline and communicate transition details to teachers and families ahead of the July start date.
