LIBERTY TWP. — A new computer program won’t replace the need for guidance counselors, but Lakota administrators say it will streamline their work load and help them go paperless when it comes to the college application process.
The Student Services departments at Lakota East and West high schools rolled out the program in the spring to upcoming seniors and will enroll the students in grades nine through 11 during the coming school year.
For a $5 per student fee, students and parents will have access to a computer automated management system that personalizes the college and workforce decision-making process, school officials said. It offers students in-depth aptitude and interest based tests to help students map out future careers.
The program, which is called Naviance, Lakota West Guidance Counselor Drews Mitchell said, will help students save money by seeing cost comparisons of universities and applying the career aptitude applications in the program in order to best select a major.
The system will help the counselors and families by generating customized checklists for students to help guide them through the process and keep them on track.
“I think with this type of service, it allows us to become personable again,” he said.
Counseling departments will better be able to manage the work load, especially with recent budget cuts that have reduced staff members in the guidance departments.
One benefit, he said, is that they system will generate lists of students who are interested in a specific university, so counselors may follow up with those families and students about visits, applications and other things involved int he application process.
And, he said, the process will save money on paper, because students will be able to submit requests for transcripts on the program, and they will be sent directly to universities.
Lakota has a college attendance rate of 92 percent, he said.
In other business, Lakota hired its interim Executive Director of Human Resources on a three-year contract, effective Aug. 1. Her salary will be $103,431.
The board also hired a director of information systems for the technology department. Shawn Smith’s three-year contract began June 14 at a salary of $81,536. Todd Wesley has been assigned the director of technology on a three year contract effective June 14 at a salary of $81,536.
Lance Perry has been assigned to the manager facilities operations for a three-year contract at $60,717.
Kimberly McGowen was hired on a two-year contract as the Enrollment Center Coordinator at a salary of $65,000 beginning July 31.
Michael Broadwater was hired on a two-year contract as assistant principal at Lakota East High School where he will earn $84,851 beginning July 31. Ashley Whitely also will be an assistant principal at Lakota East High School effective Aug. 1 at a salary of $69,832. Tracy Sawyers, effective Aug. 1, will be the EMIS Coordinator for the technology department at a salary of $49,970.