PowerSchool

PowerSchool is a web-based student information system that provides a full range of features needed by administrators at the district and school level to manage student information, a portal for teachers to enter classroom-specific data, and portals to foster communication between the school and parents and students. Using PowerSchool, teachers are able to record grades and attendance for students to view at home. PowerSchool's open and easily customizable design allows districts to easily extend SIS capabilities to meet their individual needs including independent software vendor applications.

WNYRIC support includes up to three days onsite as needed (excludes phase two scheduling), unlimited phone and email support, and NYS Reporting guidance and assistance, including automated loading of specified data to Level 0 on a weekly basis. User groups, workshops, and meetings are offered on a variety of topics and in multiple locations, as necessary. 

• Latest two versions of Firefox
• Latest two versions of Chrome
• Latest two versions of Microsoft Edge
• Latest two versions of Safari

All system requirements for version 19+ can be found here: https://support.powerschool.com/dir/45

The district agrees to:

• Set up and maintain server environment, including the operating system and windows updates.
• Maintain server environment, including network service and adequate power. Allow remote connectivity for troubleshooting via tools such as Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) or other supported devices.
• Establish and maintain a disaster recovery plan. It is recommended that optional TSM service serves as disaster recovery, but not as a primary backup method.
• Provide high-speed internet access.
• Provide hardware that meets the vendor's recommended hardware requirements. 
• Ensure staff has Windows/Mac OS and Internet training.
• Have or purchase an adequate printer. Accept responsibility for forms and paper management as well as printing of reports. (Paper and supplies are aidable.)
• Send appropriate representation to WNYRIC PowerSchool User meetings and workshops.
• Designate a District-wide contact r for the application to act as a PowerSchool administrator 
• Designate an appropriate number of turnkey teachers.
• Ensure appropriate staff is available for training at implementation.
• Ensure appropriate staff is available to verify converted data at implementation.
• Ensure appropriate staff is available during the summer to meet state reporting timelines.
• Participate in meetings with WNYRIC PowerSchool staff as needed.
• Have a secure email system and provide appropriate addresses to WNYRIC.
• Receive and review all relevant announcements, directions, and documentation from WNYRIC PowerSchool staff.
• Produce and save recommended reports annually, prior to End of Year rollover. It is further recommended that one copy is kept on a backed-up district server, which can be securely accessed if needed, and one copy on CD for archiving purposes.
• Adhere to appropriate data entry methods into application in accordance with training to facilitate accurate data reporting.
  • Ensure data is correct in the source system and in the NYS Data Warehouse.
  • Submit a written request for any unscheduled NYS data extracts.
  • Log into Level 0 to review and validate data.
• Ensure DDC participates in training on how to analyze, identify and evaluate data issues.
  • Complete all required data verification and validation.
  • Lock data for transmission to Level 1 on a timely basis.
  • Notify WNYRIC staff of issues that affect PowerSchool's functionality and work with WNYRIC staff as needed to resolve issues.

End User District License Agreement

WNYRIC agrees to:

• Install and maintain the PowerSchool application.
• Provide a means for purchasing the necessary hardware, software, and networking and communication equipment to be utilized with this service.
• Apply program updates in a timely fashion after receiving them from the vendor.
• Serve as liaison between the district and the vendor.
• Ensure the vendor is aware of and responsive to NYS Reporting changes and requirements.
• Provide training documentation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Host workshops and training.
• Provide ongoing guidance on data entry into the application.
• Load extracts to Level 0 and notify the district when data is ready to review and validate.
• Data recovery and restore scenarios may incur additional charges by the WNYRIC, the vendor, or both.
• Erie 1 BOCES NYS Data Support will generate required NYS data extracts as per the schedule and upon request.
• Erie 1 BOCES NYS Data Support will provide District Data Coordinator (DDC) training on how to analyze, identify and evaluate data issues.
• Erie 1 BOCES NYS Data Support will serve as a liaison to SED for district questions regarding state requirements related to data reporting.

The WNYRIC utilizes cost-effective best practices determined by research that allows our experienced and trained technical staff to perform robust testing and support of the WNYRIC network in the areas of security, infrastructure, energy management, virtualization strategies, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Therefore, we are able to be a district advocate for vendor contract issues and aggressively negotiate contract pricing and performance terms.

Staff follows best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student, teacher, and principal data security and privacy regulations.

Service Desk can be reached Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. A representative will be available from 4:30 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. to assist you with calls regarding emergency situations. During all other hours and holidays, a caller will receive important information regarding coverage.