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CUSD 300 presents renewals for nine technology and instructional software contracts
Summary
District technology staff recommended renewing multiple IT and ed‑tech contracts — including MCAST email security, ParentSquare (Remind transition), Microsoft licensing, HPARA classroom management, BrainPOP, Book Creator, Kami, Pear Deck and WeVideo/PlayPosit — with staggered terms to lock in pricing and monitor usage.
John Hmel (technology presenter) walked the board through nine contract renewals recommended for the next fiscal year. Key items presented included:
• MCAST (email security and archiving) — renewal $130,692.77 (July 1–June 30, 2027). • ParentSquare (transition from Remind) — renewal noted in presentation (transcript formatting unclear on digits); used for two‑way translation‑enabled communication with families and coaches. • Microsoft licensing — $147,942.50 charged to the technology budget. • HPARA (classroom management for Chromebooks) — one‑year renewal at approximately $85,824 (presented as an increase of ~5%). • Book Creator — one‑year renewal presented at $50,625 (≈12.5% increase). • BrainPOP — proposed three‑year contract with first‑year payment listed as $73,860.26, totaling $217,236.5 over three years with an anticipated 2% annual increase. • Kami, Pear Deck and WeVideo/PlayPosit — renewals and potential five‑year pricing structures presented; the WeVideo/PlayPosit package included a five‑year lock‑in and first‑year cost presented for budgeting.
Staff emphasized they track usage to avoid renewing products that are not actively used, and that some renewals are one‑year agreements to allow ongoing review. Administration recommended approvals as presented; the transcript records the presentation and recommendation but no final board votes.
