Carlynton's paperless software aids efficiency, transparency

In an effort to be more efficient and transparent with the community, Carlynton School Board unanimously approved the purchase of BoardDocs, a paperless software program used by many school boards throughout the country.

Carlynton directors decided to purchase the LT, or Light version, at a cost of $2,700. BoardDocs LT features a general section for policies and context search, as well as access for the public to view meeting agendas and documents.

“This is an attempt for the board to cut down on all of the paper use and put all of the documentation into a software program,” acting Superintendent Joseph Dimperio said.

Board member Christine Simcic was one of the directors who recommended the program.

“My motivation for endorsing it is to provide more transparency between the administration, board and public, keep paperwork in order and the searchability,” she said.

District residents who want to learn about a district policy can do a search to find the document.

Michale Herrmann, recording secretary for the board, said the Light version will provide the board with everything they need. The same goes for community members.

“From a public standpoint, they will see what the documents are that the board will be approving,” Herrmann said.

The other version is BoardDocs Pro, which includes all of the Light features, plus advanced meeting minutes, board annotations and a library section. Herrmann said the Pro version would allow Carlynton officials to see what other districts are doing and the policies that they have in place.

The cost of the Pro version is $10,500, which includes on-site training. The Light version provides only online training.

Since Carlynton officials will enter into an agreement with BoardDocs before the end of August, the implementation fee of $1,000 will be waived.

Officials said that upgrading to the Pro version is possible if they determine the Light version is not enough. Herrmann said Chartiers Valley officials informed her that the Light version meets their school board needs.