News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. II No. 4 - January 29, 2007
In an effort to improve efficiency and save scarce resources for the classroom, Madison Schools took the lead in developing a consortium of school districts to curtail administrative costs. Madison is the host (parent) to the Wisconsin Schools Consortium, developed to share tightly connected Human Resources and Financial computer systems using Lawson software, other fully connected software components (e.g. Kronos Timekeeping), best business practices, and purchasing ability.
Originating in June 2005, the consortium currently consists of four other school districts: Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, Verona Area School District, Oregon School District and Racine Unified School District.
The consortium divides its costs among the districts based on the enrollment of each district and the more districts we have the larger the enrollment the less the operational costs are for all. Madison has saved over $50,000 thus far by organizing the consortium and has also billed the consortium partners for $25,000 in billable services. There is great potential to recoup even more resources in the future.
When participating district has a need to enhance software, create a report, attend training, share or create a business practice, the entire consortium shares the information. As the lead school district, Madison assists other districts with specific needs, creating revenue for us as a billable service. Madison leads up the Financial User Group and Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District leads the Human Resources User Group.
By organizing the consortium, all participants have the new system that continues to be upgraded. For example, On-Line Shopping for the schools includes Office Max and now Sax & Arts with new businesses coming.
The long-range goal is to advertise this consortium to districts across the state, to increase the already realized savings. In December 2006, we demonstrated the consortium-based Human Resources/Business software to three Milwaukee-area districts. If they were to come into the consortium it would decrease the costs for all the members, as well as, continue to enhance the product and business processes.
The consortium is an ever-changing system that will improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Last Updated: Fri Feb 16 14:37:25 2007
Comments: comments@madison.k12.wi.us
Web Publisher: Chris Burch, cburch@madison.k12.wi.us
Technical Issues: webmaster@madison.k12.wi.us