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Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD state icon

Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD Uses Financial Planning Analytics to Execute a More Comprehensive Long Range Financial Plan

At a Glance:

Location
Erie County, New York
K-12 Enrollment
7,000
Annual Operating Budget
$164M

Frontline Solutions Used:

Financial Planning Analytics, formerly 5Cast
Comparative Analytics, formerly 5Sight

Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD

The Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District is the second largest suburban District in the Buffalo, New York area. They have a total of nine buildings which include two high schools and two middle schools. The district enjoys a rich history that dates back more than 125 years and a legacy of educational distinction.

Challenge Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD

The Challenge:

Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District, commonly shortened to “Ken-Ton,” is located in northern Erie County along the Niagara River. The district enjoys a rich history and is known for its innovative framework of mentoring, coaching, and staff development that has fostered a world-class teaching staff. For John J. Brucato, Assistant Superintendent of Finance at Ken-Ton, it was cumbersome and confusing to execute a long-range financial plan. The process of collecting, analyzing, and updating multiple spreadsheets of data made it difficult to ensure accuracy in communicating the district’s financial situation to the Board of Education and the community. The administration team was making do with what they had, but quickly realized that there had to be a better way to organize and present their data. They were in search for a product that was versatile and user friendly; something more than just a spreadsheet.

Solution Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD

The Solution:

In 2016, John Brucato attended a New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO) workshop in Albany. He had the opportunity to learn how schools across the country are leveraging Frontline’s financial forecasting and budgeting tool, Financial Planning Analytics (formerly 5Cast) and peer data comparison tool, Comparative Analytics (formerly 5Sight) to support operational and strategic decision making. Connecting with Senior Analytics Advisor, Heather Taylor, John was instantly impressed with the possibilities that Comparative Analytics and Financial Planning Analytics could offer to Ken-Ton schools and three months later, he was on board as a user. When asked what he values most as a user, he shared, “[Financial Planning Analytics’] versatility is paramount. Being able to tweak anything from a single budget line to an entire program code allows us to create any type of financial model we need. The product team is always releasing new features and more importantly, bases those features off our customer feedback. Knowing that having a conversation with our rep will most likely result in a product enhancement is unlike any other company I’ve worked with. The support team is always willing to assist and listen, helping every step along the way.”

Results Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD

The Results:

What are your key measurable results?
“Using [Financial Planning Analytics], we’ve been able to produce a comprehensive, yet understandable long-range financial plan for our Board of Education and community. Pivoting from a traditional spreadsheet, we’ve turned our plan into more of a narrative that explains the purpose of a long-range financial plan while walking the reader through each aspect that affects the district’s financial health and future. We’ve received positive feedback from our Board and community regarding the plan, citing its clarity and ease of understanding.”

What are the projects and daily tasks you are using Frontline tools for?
“Currently, we’ve used [Financial Planning Analytics and Comparative Analytics] for our long-range financial planning. This is assisting us in planning for our next capital project and putting a realistic lens on what the district will be able to afford. We are starting to build new models as contract negotiations are coming up. We’re excited to see how [Financial Planning Analytics and Comparative Analytics] will assist us at the bargaining table with our staff. We’re also looking forward to increased usage of [Comparative Analytics] and comparing achievement and financial data between districts in New York State.”

What do you like most about the products and services you are using?
“The ease of use has been a major factor in our satisfaction with the products offered. The interface is intuitive and the support team is always willing to go the extra mile to assist when needed. The features of the product are also what makes it stand apart from the competition. We’re able to create any kind of model and corresponding report that we need to best interpret our data.”

Do you have any tips for others considering Frontline Analytics tools?
“Don’t be afraid to jump in with both feet. The product support team are incredible with assisting their clients along the way. Once familiar with the product, you’ll be glad you have it! There is such a vast amount of insight by way of using [Frontline’s] products, it will be difficult to rely on regular spreadsheets!”

About Frontline Education

Frontline Education is the leading provider of school administration software, empowering strategic K-12 leaders with the right tools, data and insights to proactively manage human capital, business operations, and special education.

Educational organizations representing over 80,000 schools and millions of educators, administrators and support personnel have partnered with Frontline Education in their efforts to develop the next generation of learners. Frontline is dedicated to driving engagement across K-12 school systems and supporting the continuous improvement of employee effectiveness and efficiency with solutions for proactive recruiting and hiring, absence and time, professional growth, student information systems, special education and interventions, payroll, benefits and financial management.

Frontline Education corporate headquarters are in Malvern, PA, with offices in Roseville, CA; Salinas, CA; Andover, MA; Walled Lake, MI; Rockville Centre, NY; Williamsville, NY; Brecksville, OH and Austin, TX.

Learn more at www.FrontlineEducation.com