The Revelation of Genesis: BOE Approves New Student Data System

New technology is coming to the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District next year.

principal Dr. Nancy Gigante introduced the new software during a special presentation at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting. The software system that will enable parents and teachers to access data concerning students' attendance, assignments and grades more easily. 

"We've been using Crosspointe [software] for five years and it has served us well," Superintendent LeRoy Seitz said, "but it is imperative that we have a new system that is more in line with NJ Smart," the state Department of Education's computer-based initiative for collecting and reporting student data, the district needs a student information system that can work with it. 

Gigante reported that last summer, a committee made up of area school administrators, teachers, counselors, secretaries, nurses and parents began assessing vendor proposals.

After researching systems and soliciting advice from other school districts, the panel focused on the three most popular Web-based school information systems: Genesis, PowerSchool and Realtime. After analyzing detailed proposals from and presentations by the three vendors, the committee chose Genesis as the best option.

The software chosen had to meet certain criteria, Gigante said. There had to be a Web portal to give parents access to their children's attendance records, grades, homework and other information. Interfaces would have to be user-friendly and accessible from any Web browser or Internet platform 24 hours a day. The system would have to provide seamless integration with NJ Smart and offer a robust support and training system. 

According to Gigante, Genesis' features gave it the edge over its competitors. The system was determined to be an exceedingly accessible, user-friendly and intuitive one that offers separate interactive portals for parents and for students.

It offered the most staff development and support, along with local and state user groups. And Genesis, which is made by a New Jersey company, is designed to work with NJ Smart. She added that the new system would require no new staff and that its cost—$150,000, with an additional $22,500 per year for licensing—would be covered by the district's existing administrative budget. Crosspointe will be retained to handle "finances and human resources components," Seitz added.

"With more access to student information, the greater the probability of increased student improvement," Gigante said. "Bottom line, that is what we want: better outcomes for our students."

When the meeting's floor was opened for questions, several board members voiced concerns about security. Barry Haines, the district technology supervisor, noted that, as with any Web-based software, users would have to change their passwords frequently to prevent breaches. Gigante said firewalls are being considered as an added form of protection.

When the presentation and question period ended, Board President Anthony Mancuso attempted to move to the next item on the meeting agenda. But Board member Frank Calabra suddenly raised a point of order.

"We should vote on accepting the presentation and the use of Genesis, rather than give tacit approval," he said. 

After a roll-call poll was moved and seconded, the board gave its approval to the presentation and for the purchase of the Genesis system. 

The software will roll out over the next two years. During Phase 1, which starts July 1, student data now housed within Crosspointe will be converted and formatted for the new system. In Phase 2, which starts in time for the 2012-13 school year, the parent and student portals will be available for use.