PA District Rolls Out New SIS

West Branch Area School District of Morrisdale, PA, has chosen Pearson's PowerSchool Premier as its new student information system (SIS).

WBASD Technology Administrator Jeremy Craven said the district chose PowerSchool Premier because it needed a more intuitive system that would simplify its data management and make state reporting faster and more efficient. With features like an integrated gradebook, master scheduling, and a 24/7 Web reporting system, and its compatibility with state standards, the application will be a substantial improvement for WBASD, Craven said.

Sandra Craft, superintendent of the 1,250-student district in northeastern Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from Scranton, added that the system was chosen because of the manufacturer's reputation, "their ability to offer 24/7 technical service, and their willingness to customize. Pearson is a large company with trained staff and the resources to accommodate small districts."

A spokesperson said the district expects to complete implementation of the new SIS this fall.

About the Author

Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.