Board advances several technology and curriculum purchases; district to complete PowerSchool transition July 1
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Summary
The board advanced purchases and agreements including curriculum-mapping software, data dashboards and multiple school technology initiatives; staff reported PowerSchool will replace SAFIRE on July 1, 2025, and five schools earned Verizon Innovative Learning School designation.
The Allentown School District advanced several items related to instructional technology, curriculum mapping and data dashboards, and district leaders reported a planned transition to PowerSchool for student information on July 1, 2025.
Denise Dean McIntyre asked the board to approve CHOM curriculum-mapping software (agenda item listing a cost of $49,891.31) as part of a plan to standardize curriculum writing and maintain the district's curriculum online. Melissa Smith presented a contract to create centralized data dashboards, a three-year agreement at $36,505 annually, that will consolidate district data for leaders and schools.
Superintendent Dr. Birx highlighted several achievements and technology partnerships: the district will be designated as Verizon Innovative Learning Schools at five locations, an award the superintendent said brings nearly $13 million in value in salaries, devices and software supports tied to that program. Dr. Birx also reminded the board that summer programs and an AI Institute at DeSales University will offer college credits and internships.
Separately, district staff confirmed that PowerSchool will begin on July 1, 2025. Because the district's data for the 2024–25 year was entered into SAPPHIRE/SAFIRE, staff said they retained SAFIRE for reporting purposes this year to ensure the October 1 and summer reports are accurate; PowerSchool will be the district's primary student information system starting July 1.
Committee members approved advancing these curriculum and technology items to the regular board meeting for final consideration.