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Salinas CA – March 7, 2008: Digital Schools’ annual “Educational Roundtable,” held in Monterey CA, tackled the theme of “Fiscal Management Ideas and Solutions,” reflecting the ongoing financial pressures facing schools. Facilitated by Craig Schilling, PhD, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs for Northfield Township School District 225 (IL), he focused on the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset – the ability to ‘set outside the box’ and to take risks to better manage. Schilling led the group through a highly interactive session that culminated in key priorities for development.
With a looming fiscal crisis facing California districts, emphasis was placed on identifying opportunities for fiscal savings and the process for quantifying and implementing change. “An entrepreneurial mindset is essential,” explained Schilling. “To get through a fiscal crisis you need to be creative, be willing to think outside the box and take risks. You mitigate any risk by evaluating through benchmarking, assessing capital savings, and then, if savings are warranted, creating a business plan." Schilling noted that the primary questions of why (are we doing this), what (are the consequences if we don’t), and how (will it be accomplished) must be addressed. “Overall, the district needs to ensure that the actions they are taking are in keeping with their views and definitions of their own core competencies.” Participants reviewed opportunities for savings including outsourcing textbooks, outsourcing food services, centralizing and outsourcing mailings, achieving guaranteed rental agreements for cafeteria services, wellness initiatives to minimize health insurance, warehousing versus just-in-time purchasing. “Fiscal crisis fears often cause knee jerk reactions that negatively impact student achievement and curtailing efforts essential to fiscally sound operations,” commented Schilling. “Opportunity, not fear, should be the motivator with the intent to achieve creative solutions that result in lean but well-run operations." Savings experienced by District 225 from outsourcing and leasing efforts have been in the millions of dollars. Clients of Digital Schools may access specific savings information through a secure website access. Technology innovations sought by participants included enhanced reporting capabilities, employee access, linking the Digital Schools Suite to county payroll and financial operations, and time and attendance functionality. During 2008, Digital Schools will be introducing a number of technology innovations that will further help schools enhance economic performance. ### Digital Schools corporate offices are located in Northbrook, IL; Digital Schools of California is located in Salinas California with an additional location in Stockton, California. Digital Schools of California serves a large number of k-12 districts with its Digital Schools Suite, which provides position control, budgeting, payroll capabilities. It is viewed as the market’s most comprehensive resource measurement and management offering. Contact: Sarah Beyne, CEO at 847-564-3939 |
