City-Times Staff

Officials from Skyward Thursday released a formal statement regarding the company’s appeal with the DOA.

“In accordance with the defined appeal process according to Administrative Code and Request for Proposal for the Wisconsin Statewide Student Information System (SSIS), Skyward has filed its appeal with the Department of Administration (DOA). Skyward continues to stand behind its previous statements that the SSIS evaluation was a flawed and unfair process, and the appeal calls for a just and impartial evaluation of this decision. Through an open records request of communication within the DPI, Skyward obtained documents that deepened the concern of this bias and the disconcerting behavior that occurred throughout the RFP process. These documents suggest that the Assistant State Superintendent involved in the selection acted unjustly throughout the process and with prejudice against Skyward. The company firmly believes it can offer Wisconsin schools and districts a dramatic cost savings, and is concerned by DPI’s inability to provide a clear explanation of the Market-Basket calculations utilized to evaluate the costs that led the committee to favor the selected vendor.The company remains eager for a full examination of the entire process, from the development of the RFP through the creation of the scoring rubric and the cost analysis. If necessary following the appeal, Skyward will examine all possible legal options. A complete copy of Skyward’s appeal with supporting documents can be found at www.skyward.com/doa-appeal.”

“Skyward is grateful for the outpouring of support it continues to receive from local, state and federal lawmakers. The company is also encouraged and thankful for the tremendous support from the community and school district leaders, educators and parents in Wisconsin. Skyward also is grateful for the strong support it has received from numerous businesses across the state. Skyward remains committed to delivering comprehensive support and training, a smooth implementation process and powerful data management solutions that exceed schools’ evolving needs. Throughout the appeal process, Skyward will continue to proudly serve 50 percent of Wisconsin school districts with its student information system, and more than 80 percent of districts in the state that use its school business management software.”

About Skyward

Skyward is a leading provider of K-12 school administrative software that surpasses districts’ needs in state reporting, improves operational capabilities, and opens communication between schools and families. Today, the Skyward School Management System™ is used in more than 1,600 school districts worldwide, ranging from districts with as few as 50 students to statewide implementations supporting more than 800,000 students.

Founded in 1980, Skyward serves school districts with its integrated student, finance, and human resources suite of products and is proudly made and supported in the United States. To learn more, visit www.skyward.com.