St. Charles School District to Hold Off on App

If you got your hopes up after hearing the school district was considering developing a smartphone app as a way for parents, students and and taxpayers to keep connected, don’t hold your breath. It may not happen for another year or so.

The administration’s proposal to develop the app, at a cost of $65,250 over the three-year contract, failed to muster the votes needed to pass during Monday night’s board of education meeting. Some board members questioned the cost for the proposal.

Superintendent Dr. Donald Schlomann told the board that the app reflects society’s increasing desire for instant satisfaction. He told the board this might not be the right time to develop the app, but that the administration wanted to present it to the board as an option.

In another year or so, he said, the district is scheduled to review its communications contract and may be able to negotiate an app at that time as part of the larger contract.

An app would be one another way to connect the school district with parents, students and taxpayers, and could be designed to offer a variety of interactive options. For example, parents could check on their children’s grades or whether they are turning in their assignments. The school district could instantly alert parents to weather-related changes to school schedules or a student’s attendance.

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