STEVENS POINT (WAOW) -
School district leaders across Wisconsin came together today to discuss a
state-wide education contract. Skyward and district officials in Stevens Point called the
meeting to share concerns, with hope that something can still be done.
Stevens Point
based Skyward was passed over for that contract one month ago. Some school
district leaders using that system are concerned about what's next.
Skyward officials say close to 50 percent of school
districts in Wisconsin
use their software. Those districts were invited to a meeting in Stevens Point.
Stevens Point
school district leaders and Skyward officials hosted the event to talk about
the process.
"What I'm looking for as a superintendent is to see how
many of the districts that were invited see the same kinds of concerns that we
see and perhaps come together to take come further steps," Stevens Point
Superintendent Attila Weninger said.
"They're going to know what it actually means to their
district, the actual cost of switching to a different product," Skyward
CEO Cliff King.
Last year, the state announced it would open up bids for a $15
million education contract.
In the end, Minnesota
company called Infinite Campus was selected. The state said Infinite Campus
would provide the product at the lowest cost.
But Skyward leaders say the process was not fair or
accurate, and they've decided to appeal.
"If they can still use our software, their cost is zero.
It's hard to beat zero," King said.
I have reached out to officials at Infinite Campus numerous
times. So far, I've received no response, but state officials say the process
was fair.
Skyward employs more than 300 people in Wisconsin. Leaders there say if they can't
sell their product here, they may move elsewhere.
Weninger says he hopes school leaders who were invited go
back to their districts and take a look at what the conversion could mean to
them.
"This is about what happened in the process statewide,
where many districts are going to be affected financially," Weninger said.
In the meantime, Skyward leaders say they're waiting to hear
word on their appeal.
