#USA #Charleston #Blackbaud #K-12 Schools #Partner Solutions

Expanding Software Solutions for K-12 Independent Schools

In the dynamic landscape of educational technology, K-12 independent schools are increasingly seeking solutions that cater specifically to their unique needs. Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), known for its commitment to social impact, is stepping up to this challenge by offering an adaptable partner ecosystem that enhances the overall educational experience for teachers, students, families, and alumni.

The Total School Solution

At the heart of Blackbaud's offering is the Total School Solution, which revolutionizes how K-12 schools manage various functions from enrollment to fundraising. Mark Davis, the vice president of education products at Blackbaud, emphasizes that this integrated approach provides schools with everything they need to drive enrollment, retain students, and elevate academic programs. The flexibility of their SKY API® allows schools to create customized software solutions that align perfectly with their operational needs.

Providing educators with the freedom to select from a multitude of third-party applications, Blackbaud's ecosystem allows for seamless integrations that make it easier to achieve optimal results. Schools can now leverage essential tools tailored to improve operational efficiencies and heighten engagement across their communities.

Case Studies: Real-World Impacts

Berwick Academy and Calvert Hall College High School are prime examples of institutions reaping the benefits of Blackbaud's Total School Solution. For Berwick Academy, integrating Blackbaud's services with Odin has streamlined their student payment processes, while Calvert Hall has improved communication through connections with BrightArrow, a platform designed for notifications and emergency messaging.

Austin Ewachiw, director of technology at Calvert Hall, explains how the linked systems provide a single source of truth for student data, ultimately enriching the user experience for all stakeholders involved.

Feature Highlights of Blackbaud's Partner Solutions

The expansive variety of partner solutions available through Blackbaud enhances its product portfolio significantly. Here are a few standout offerings:

• - Almabase: This platform is engineered to help educational institutions boost their donor base, providing seamless synchronization with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge NXT® for maintaining consistent alumni engagement and fundraising data.
• - August Schools: Specializing in health and wellness tracking for students, this platform streamlines documentation, making it easier for school administrators to manage student health data. The integration ensures that student information is consistent across systems, reducing manual entries.
• - BrightArrow: A leader in communication solutions, BrightArrow enables schools to send tailored notifications via various channels, enhancing the interaction between families and educational institutions.
• - Odin: A game-changer for non-tuition expenses, Odin allows schools to monitor student spending while giving parents real-time updates on transactions.
• - PaperSave: This automation platform helps finance teams streamline accounts payable and procurement processes by integrating directly with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT®, facilitating better management of gifts and funding resources.
• - UBIQ Education: They offer an innovative website platform for schools, promising increased admissions engagement by providing meaningful insights about prospective families’ interests.

Daniel Clarke, CEO of UBIQ, remarks on the advantages of collaborating with Blackbaud’s SKY API, noting that the integration empowers institutions to track family engagement through valuable insights, enhancing their outreach efforts.

Future Endeavors

Blackbaud emphasizes its dedication to advancing K-12 education by continually innovating its solutions and inviting schools to participate in upcoming product briefings. Scheduled for May 6-9, 2025, these briefings will delve into new products and enhancements designed to elevate the educational landscape further.

Blackbaud remains a beacon of change in a crucial sector, committed to aiding institutions in nurturing the generations to come, all while fostering an adaptable and supportive educational environment. Schools interested in learning more about the Total School Solution can explore Blackbaud's offerings on their website.

Conclusion

With their powerful ecosystem of partners and commitment to customizable solutions, Blackbaud is not just meeting the needs of today's K-12 schools; they are also preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. Schools are no longer bound to one-size-fits-all solutions—they have the freedom to innovate and optimize their operations, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all involved.

For more insights into Blackbaud's initiatives, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow them on social media for further updates.

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