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Guilford County Schools (GCS) began using Connect-ED services provided by Blackboard Connect Inc. (formerly known as Notification Technologies and The NTI Group, Inc.) in 2004. GCS utilizes Connect-ED services to record, schedule, send and track personalized voice messages to parents and/or employees. The Connect-ED service offers a bundled set of emergency communication, survey, and community outreach notification tools designed to help schools improve awareness, increase involvement, and audit communication on a regular basis. The Connect-ED service requires no hardware; no software; no additional phone lines. Messages can be sent to all defined recipients or to targeted subgroups.
Connect-ED services have assisted us in improving communications between schools and parents. We have been able to provide accurate and timely information during crisis situations; when anticipating or experiencing inclement weather or when providing details of upcoming events (i.e., End-of-Course/End-of-Grade testing, reports being sent home).
During the July 24, 2008 meeting, the Board approved a contract with Blackboard Connect Inc. for Connect-ED services for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 with the option of renewing for two additional years. The contract provides the option to terminate on the annual anniversary of the effective date (July 1, 2009 for Period 2 and July 1, 2010 for Period 3) by providing 30-days prior written notice.
The $3 per student message fee is a fixed annual fee for unlimited use. The negotiated $3 message fee per student has not increased since the district began using Connect-ED services in 2004. The annual message fee is paid from our telecommunication budget. Blackboard Connect has waived the annual support fee of $12,200; therefore, the cost of the contract for the 2009-10 fiscal year is $213,237 ($3 x 71,079 students), which is a decrease of $4,173 [(08-09 contract was $217,410 based on 72,470 students) x $3]. The cost of the contract for fiscal year 2010-11 will be calculated by multiplying the projected student enrollment by the $3 per student message fee.
RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends renewal of the contract with Blackboard Connect Inc. for Connect-ED services in the amount of $213,237 for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 with the option of renewing for one additional year as outlined above.
Attachment - contract
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