As an administrator, you recognize the value Alma brings to your school community—a modern, intuitive Student Information System (SIS) that streamlines operations, enhances communication, and improves the overall learning experience. However, getting your board of directors, PTA, and other decision-makers on board requires a strategic approach. This playbook will equip you with the tools and talking points needed to build a compelling case for Alma and gain the buy-in you need.
Step 1: Identify Key Stakeholders and Their Concerns
Before presenting Alma, understand who will influence the decision and what their main concerns may be. Here’s a quick breakdown:
School Board & Administration
- • Primary Concerns: Cost, ROI, implementation logistics, long-term sustainability.
- • Key Message: Alma is a cost-effective, scalable solution that improves efficiency and data accuracy.
PTA & Parents
- • Primary Concerns: User-friendliness, communication with teachers, access to student information.
- • Key Message: Alma enhances transparency and engagement between educators and families.
Teachers & Staff
- • Primary Concerns: Training, ease of use, transition from the current system.
- • Key Message: Alma is designed for educators, with an intuitive interface and robust support.
Step 2: Build a Strong Financial Case
Most boards will require a financial justification. Here’s how to frame it:
• Cost Savings: Alma consolidates multiple tools into one, reducing overall expenses.
• Time Efficiency: Automated workflows save administrators and teachers valuable hours.
• Long-Term ROI: Schools using Alma report increased operational efficiency and parent satisfaction.
Step 3: Highlight the Competitive Advantage
Compare Alma to traditional SIS options and highlight its modern, cloud-based infrastructure:
• User-Friendly Interface – No steep learning curves; teachers and parents adapt quickly.
• Integrated Communication Tools – Strengthens parent-teacher collaboration.
• Flexible & Scalable – Adapts to schools and districts of various sizes and structures.
• Secure & Compliant – Meets strict data privacy and security standards.
Step 4: Address Common Objections with Solutions
“Switching is too complicated.”
- Alma provides dedicated onboarding support and step-by-step migration assistance with our implementation product, Navigator.
“Our staff will struggle with learning a new system.”
- Alma offers comprehensive training, a vast resource library and world class customer support.
“It’s too expensive.”
- Alma is competitively priced with flexible plans and eliminates the need for multiple software solutions. And don’t forget time is money – and Alma customers enjoy widespread efficiencies which free up resources for more mission critical objectives.
Step 5: Present with Confidence
To effectively present Alma to your board and stakeholders:
• Schedule a Demo – Let them see Alma in action.
• Provide Case Studies & Customer Testimonials – Show them real-world success stories from schools like yours. Just ask us – we will bring the testimonials!
“Start today, change your SIS to ALMA”
“Our district staff feel like Alma is part of our team. Not just someone who supports us. We know each other by name, they anticipate the type of approach we take even before we do some times.”
“Alma’s support process from onboarding throughout multiple years of use is unparalleled! I don’t often need support at this point, but when I do their entire team is excellent. Also, their strong data privacy and cybersecurity practices are very proactive and transparent.”
• Prepare FAQs – Anticipate and address concerns proactively.
Encourage board members and PTAs to test Alma firsthand and experience its benefits directly with an interactive, custom demo.
Final Step: Secure Buy-In and Move Forward
Once you’ve presented Alma and addressed concerns, outline the next steps:
• Gather Stakeholder Feedback – Allow time for questions and discussion.
• Follow Up with Additional Resources – Provide demo access, documentation, and cost comparisons.
• Plan for Implementation – Work with Alma’s team to create a transition timeline.
By using this playbook, you’ll be equipped to navigate the decision-making process effectively and help your school transition to a modern SIS that benefits everyone.
Need more help? Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this transition seamless and successful!
