Statewide Student Management System (SSMS)

Implementation Status Update as of 12/24/03

In an effort to update you on the current status of the statewide SMSS project, the following information is provided:

• The winning proposal was presented by Public Consulting Group (in partnership with Century Consultants).
• A contract negotiation and project planning meeting was held with representatives from PCG on Tuesday, December 23.
• Preliminary planning for architecture identification, platform requirements, and other operational details has begun.
• A contract should be finalized, signed, and processed by the first or second week in January.
• The initial meeting of the Project Management Team will take place on January 14 to develop and finalize the Project Work Plan.
• Demonstration/Information Sessions are now being scheduled for locations across Tennessee (Field Service Offices) for the week of January 26-29. Notifications of the times, dates, and exact locations will be sent to superintendents by early January.
• There are 22 districts across the state who have volunteered to participate in the pilot phase (Phase I) of implementation. There are representatives from each grand division. There also are small, medium, and large districts participating initially. This accounts for over 80,000 students in the pilot.
• Phase II will begin in July 2004.

More information and updates will be provided as the project progresses.