 |
 |
 |
|
Automated Parent Notification Systems - A Transformational Technology
Automated Parent Notification Systems - A Transformational Technology
By: Paul Langhorst, Chief Marketing Officer - SchoolReach Instant Parent Contact
The education landscape has been transformed by many products. One of the greatest transformational technologies has been the widespread adoption of automated parent notification systems. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, never have so few called so many with such little effort.
At no time is the need for this technology greater as schools across the country are being driven and asked to do more with less; less money, fewer resources, less staff and less time. A parent notification system is the embodiment and spirit of "more with less." One person can reach 500, 5000, or 50,000 in just minutes. No printing, stuffing, mailing, delays, just instant communication. For every notice sent via an automated parent notification system, the school is likely saving $0.50/student in paper, print supplies, labor, mail supplies, postage etc. At a minimum parent notification systems are budget neutral and at best, the may generate a 10-times return on investment.
Imagine a school secretary spending 3 hours a day contacting parents for unexcused absentee notifications. Now imagine that process happening seamlessly, without intervention, as a simple integration between the attendance tracking system and a parent notification system. No manual calls, just results. Now those three hours can be recovered and redirected, and in some cases administrative positions eliminated. We ask: what is the lesser of two evils; eliminating a position and the communication with parents, or just the position? Parents and communities are fighting the cuts, but they will happen. If they do, an automated parent notification system can help your school or district retain solid communications and relationships with your parents and stakeholders.
Parent notification systems have transformed the way principals and school administrators across the country communicate with parents and staff. A school or district equipped with such a service knows no crisis, calamity or event which cannot be immediately communicated to parents with just a single call or a few key strokes. A school or district equipped with a parent notification service enjoys more well attended meetings, more responsive and informed parents, and more satisfied parents than those without.
If a school or district is cutting staff, and does not have an automated parent notification system, it is almost mandatory that a notification service should be sourced and added. In such trying times the ability to communicate with parents must be increased, not decreased. There is too much at stake.