Meeting the moment: Alma helps districts align technology with instruction
Carla Smith, technology director and recently named New Hampshire CTO of the year, had a clear objective: find a student information system (SIS) that actually matched how her district operated – especially when it came to grading. Their previous platform simply couldn’t keep up.
“Families are using Alma to connect with teachers more easily, and students are more engaged in managing their own learning.”
Carla Smith
Technology Director
New Hampshire CTO of the Year
“We were unable to produce progress reports or report cards that accurately reflected our standards-based grading,” said Smith. “That was the tipping point.”
A search for flexibility and fit
Smith’s team wasn’t just looking for software – they were searching for a partner who understood New Hampshire schools. Alma quickly stood out during the evaluation process, thanks in part to its strong regional presence.
“The local support for NH districts was impressive,” said Smith. “It was clear they had dedicated support and sales staff who understood our context.”
Implementation that worked with, not against, their timeline
Alma’s onboarding process was carefully structured around the district’s schedule. Each phase of the migration was broken into manageable sections, giving the team flexibility without sacrificing momentum.
“For the few times we didn’t meet our internal deadlines, there was ample extra time built into the schedule,” Smith noted. “That made all the difference.”
“Make sure your system reflects how your district actually works – especially around grading and reporting. And don’t underestimate the value of local support. That has been a game changer for us.”
Support when it matters most
The support team didn’t just respond – they anticipated. Alma’s New Hampshire-specific support, especially the iNHDEX team, proved critical as the state rolled out a new reporting system. Whether via email or the embedded chat feature, help was always within reach.
“Alma’s support has been great,” said Smith. “Navigating the new state reporting system was a challenge, but the iNHDEX team was invaluable.”
Simplifying the start of every school year
One of the most immediate wins was Alma Start, the platform’s enrollment and forms module. Families now update contact information and permissions at the start of each year with ease – eliminating confusion, paper forms, and repetitive office visits.
Shifting the experience for students and families
While change always comes with challenges, the response across the district has been overwhelmingly positive. Middle school students are now tracking their progress more effectively through Alma’s student portal, and families appreciate the improved communication with teachers.
“We’ve had very few complaints,” said Smith. “Families are using Alma to connect with teachers more easily, and students are more engaged in managing their own learning.”
Looking ahead: transcripts and household tracking
The next phase for the district is building out household tracking and transcript generation for middle schoolers graduating from Ellis School. These features, previously out of reach, are now within sight.
Advice from the CTO of the year
When asked what advice she’d offer to other districts considering a SIS switch, Smith was clear: “Make sure your system reflects how your district actually works – especially around grading and reporting. And don’t underestimate the value of local support. That has been a game changer for us.”
For Smith and her team, Alma has done more than replace a system – it has helped align the district’s technology with its instructional goals, making daily operations more efficient and student progress more visible than ever before.
