Lincoln County School District No. 2 is switching from hard copy school board packets to paperless board packets. The decision to go electronic was made at the September meeting of the School Board.

The “go live” date for the change is December 2009. Prior to that time, training on how the new program works will take place.

According to Amanda Welch, administrative assistant, the program the district will use is called BoardDocs. The program is a web based system that will allow board members, school administrators and the public more access to upcoming school board meeting information.

“Right now the agenda is the only document that is really available to the public or administration prior to board meeting,” said Welch. “This program will allow access to supporting documentation and information as the packet is being built.”

Because BoardDocs is a web based program, board  members will be able to access the school board packet via any computer with an internet connection. According to Welch, this will allow board members to have up to date information about the upcoming meeting earlier than they currently do.

“Right now board packets are sent out on Thursday or Friday the week before the school board meeting,” said Welch. “By the time the school board meeting takes place, there are changes to the information and board members have two packets to keep track of. With this new program board members can view the document and make notes regarding information in the packet in their file. At the school board meeting they will have a laptop so that the packet information and any notations they have made will be right there.”

According to District Superintendent Jon Abrams, the electronic school board packets will allow for more transparency and efficiency. More information will be available in a quicker time frame than ever before, he said.

“As we move into the 21st Century I feel that it is important that we use the resources that are out there to aid us in making information more accessible,” said Abrams. “This program will allow us to do that.”