Paperless initiatives in schools have a positive impact

Monday, December 31, 2012

School committees nationwide are utilizing document management software to cut down on costs and improve communication.

The Metro West Daily News reported that the Natick School Committee began sharing a newly adopted document management software solution with the town in order to save paper and enhance communication. Superintendent Peter Sanchioni is optimistic about the impact that document digitization will have on productivity since the process of preparing paper documents is burdensome for staff.

School Committee Chairman David Margil stated that meeting files have accumulated to overwhelming stacks so that it can be impossible to find information. Document management software has made it possible for users to click on the link for a specific agenda and access all corresponding memos and reports. Moreover, since the software publicizes the documents to an online database, television viewers can follow along at home.

Not only school committees are reaping the benefits of going paperless: schools are as well. The Sheboygan Area School District in Wisconsin implemented a $4.7 million "Digital Transformation Plan," which will take five years to complete, according to the Sheboygan Press. As part of the plan, every sixth grader will have a personal iPad for classroom and at-home use. The transition is expected to result in expenditure savings from software updates and printing costs as well as enhanced student performance.

Schools and committees that utilize document management systems can more effectively archive and administer information, which benefits educators and committee members in meeting preparations and the decision-making process.

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