Transforming Student Information Management in Vermont-
Grand Isle Supervisory Union (GISU) serves a diverse student population across four schools in Vermont, including two K-8 and two K-6 institutions, along with approximately 400 tuition and pre-K students. With around 120 staff members – including superintendents, IT personnel, teachers, registrars, and paraprofessionals – the district required a modern, efficient, and user-friendly Student Information System (SIS) to streamline daily operations.
The Challenge: An Outdated and Inefficient SIS-
Before transitioning to Alma, GISU relied on Tyler SIS, which presented numerous challenges. The system was not cloud-based, lacked user-friendly features, and offered limited integrations. Key issues included:
- • Lack of SLDS reporting capabilities
- • No mobile access for parents or students
- • Cumbersome scheduling and report card processes
- • Difficult state reporting procedures
Additionally, navigating the old system was frustrating for staff, making essential tasks like running reports and filing state data unnecessarily complicated.
The Transition to Alma: A Multi-Year Implementation Plan-
Recognizing the need for a more intuitive and efficient system, GISU made the switch to Alma in the fall of 2020. The transition was carefully planned over multiple years:
- Year 1: The IT department uploaded all rosters, staff information, calendars, and attendance records.
- Year 2: Bell schedules were integrated into the system.
- Ongoing: Additional services and functionalities continue to be incorporated to enhance efficiency.
Despite the transition occurring alongside major state reporting requirements and in the aftermath of COVID-related disruptions, the district successfully adapted by prioritizing system integration and staff training.
Immediate Benefits: Intuitive, User-Friendly, and Efficient-
From the start, Alma proved to be a game-changer for GISU. Staff members found the system intuitive, visually clean, and easy to navigate. Registrars, who had previously depended heavily on IT for accessing information, now had the independence to retrieve and manage data efficiently.
How GISU Uses Alma Today-
Alma has become an integral part of GISU’s daily operations, supporting many key functions such as:
- • Report cards
- • Assignments
- • Attendance tracking
- • Alma Start for enrollment and registration
- • Running reports
- • Scheduling
The district’s faculty and administrators have embraced Alma, appreciating its ease of use and the time it saves them in routine administrative tasks.
Results: Improved Efficiency and Reduced Workload-
Since implementing Alma, GISU has experienced significant improvements in efficiency and workflow. Notable benefits include:
- Simplified State Reporting: Filing required reports has become much less stressful and time-consuming.
- Time Savings in Student Registration: While no specific data has been collected, staff report a noticeable reduction in the time required for enrollment and registration.
- Reduced IT Workload: The IT team spends significantly less time maintaining the SIS or assisting staff with system navigation.
- Enhanced Parent Access: For the first time, parents can access the system, fostering better communication and engagement.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth with Alma-
GISU’s successful adoption of Alma underscores the power of an effective SIS in transforming school operations. The district looks forward to further leveraging Alma’s capabilities to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and continue providing high-quality education to its students.
“Our IT team doesn’t need to spend as much time keeping Alma up and running or answering questions from staff. Parents are able to access the SIS, and state reporting has become much easier and less stressful,” said GISU’s Data Manager, David Mills.
With a commitment to continuous improvement, GISU is excited to explore even more ways Alma can support its mission of delivering exceptional education in Vermont.
