UPDATE: Rochester Public Schools is set to replace its outdated student information system, Skyward, with a new platform called Edupoint Synergy, officials announced during a school board meeting on January 20. The board will vote on the adoption of this new system in the coming weeks, marking a significant shift in how the district manages student data.
Superintendent Kent Pekel emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “A student information system is the data and electronic connective tissue of a modern school district.” He highlighted that the new system will improve all aspects of teaching and learning across the district.
The projected cost for the five-year implementation of Edupoint Synergy is $1.21 million. In comparison, continuing with the latest version of Skyward would have cost approximately $1.1 million over the same period, creating only a modest savings of $22,000 per year. This financial decision underscores the district’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.
RPS Technology Director Mike Johnson explained that a student information system is essential for managing records such as registration, enrollment, course scheduling, gradebooks, transcripts, attendance, and disciplinary actions. He described the system as “the central data repository for all student records,” essential for data-driven decision-making.
While the school board is expected to approve the new system soon, full implementation will not occur until the start of the 2027-28 school year. This timeline reflects the district’s careful consideration of the transition process.
A diverse group of stakeholders, including office managers, principals, teaching staff, registrars, counselors, and technology representatives, assessed both Skyward and Edupoint Synergy’s proposals. Their thorough evaluation ensures that the new system meets the needs of all departments within the school district.
Johnson further noted that the Edupoint Synergy platform will provide secure, role-based portals for parents, guardians, students, and faculty, allowing real-time access to vital information. This improvement is expected to foster better communication and engagement among all parties involved in the students’ educational journeys.
As this situation develops, the Rochester community is eager to see how the new system will enhance educational experiences and streamline operations within the school district. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed as the school board prepares for its upcoming vote.
This transition represents a crucial step forward for Rochester Public Schools, promising a more modern and efficient approach to student information management.
