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Schools Consider Software Update

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By RONNIE BLAIR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 5, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - The Pasco County School District is considering replacing its outdated computer software with something new that could handle nearly all of the functions for running the day-to-day business operations of the district.

The new system would be expected to handle computer records for a wide range of functions, such as budgeting, financial reporting, purchasing, grant management, payroll, human resources, staff development, asset management, inventory, facility maintenance, transportation, and food and nutrition services.

If the district switches to a new software system, training of those who use it would be crucial, Assistant Superintendent Renalia DuBose said.

"It will change the lives of everybody who turns on a computer in the district," she said.

The new software would replace a system that district officials say no longer meets the business needs of the district, which has a $1.2 billion budget, about 10,000 employees and more than 70 schools.

"This is long overdue," board Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said during a Pasco County School Board workshop Tuesday.

The software wouldn't replace the system that handles student information, though. Superintendent Heather Fiorentino said that system would be dealt with at another time.

During their workshop, board members heard a presentation from representatives of the Government Finance Officers Association, which provides consulting services to assist local governments in their search for the right software firm.

The school board agreed in the summer of 2007 to allow district staff to work with the association in developing a needs assessment for the district, DuBose said.

David Burna, project manager for the association, said the implications of changing the system "are sweeping throughout the organization."

"It's not something you want to do lightly," he said.

One reason this planned change wouldn't include the student information systems is the lack of a good software program that could integrate that system with the district's business needs, said Barry McMeekin, relationship manager with the association.

A project timeline calls for implementation of the new software to begin in January or February.

If the board decides to move forward with the plan, it would probably be the summer of 2010 before the software is fully implemented.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

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