Many districts have the same problems with school registration—even though it’s one of the most critical processes for every school. Getting students to fill out forms is only half the battle. Even if everyone fills their forms out quickly, you often have to manually enter them into a student information system. This isn’t exactly the most efficient and exciting process. Plus, it lends itself to human error.
Blog
Achieve 100% Form Compliance Before Day One!
We often receive the following question from district administrators, assistants, and secretaries:
"Do you have any suggestions to drive parent and student action based on your experience with so many districts?"
Excellent question! We understand the dilemma. School districts and athletic departments need specific information to ensure compliance with district policies. Even more important, this information may be used to ensure student safety throughout the day, on trips, and in extracurricular activities. The problem is: Parents are busy and might not realize just how easy it is to complete online forms.
We’re here to help!
We believe there are 3 steps to 100% form completion:
FinalForms Provides 5 First Year Athletic Directors with Scholarship
The FinalForms Scholarship, awarded by WSSAAA, provides financial assistance to first-year athletic administrators for the WSSAAA Annual Conference. FinalForms puts forth funds to allow WSSAAA to select 5 athletic administrators attend the conference or participate in NIAAA leadership training courses.
“We consider it an honor to provide the scholarship. FinalForms’ core values revolve around improving education-based athletics,” states Steve Frucci, “By helping these ADs gain education and exposure to best practices, we’re helping to raise the bar.”
“As a first-year Athletic Director, I have been seeking different opportunities to gain Professional Development experiences. The WSSAAA Conference is just one great way for me to learn and make important contacts and connections,” says last year’s recipient Kristin DiJosie of Lakewood High School, “As a result of earning this scholarship, I was able to enroll in a leadership course that counts for credit toward my Certified Athletic Administrator credentials.”
Clay Burnett honored by Ohio Senate for Remarkable Distinction
The Quisenberry Service Award, awarded by the Ohio Senate, recognizes special contributions, leadership and service to interscholastic athletics in Ohio as well as the local and state level. It is presented to an individual from outside the profession of athletic administration who has made powerful improvements and offered quality service to interscholastic athletes.
“It’s truly fulfilling to receive the honor. The recognition of FinalForms’ impact on education-based athletics is an unprecedented distinction for our team, product and service,” claims Burnett, “Our commitment to school district compliance and student safety, as well as the integrity of our staff supports our offering, which drives industry standards in education technology.”
Burnett has led the explosive growth of FinalForms while setting new industry standards, annually doubling revenues, and maintaining a flawless client retention record. Today he's fulfilling his vision of building a team, designing a product, and providing a service that dramatically improves both education and athletics.
“You have striven to better the world around you, and your intuitiveness and integrity has earned you the esteem of all who know you. We are certain that you will continue to put forth the same unwavering commitment to excellence for which you have become known, and your accomplishments will encourage your fellow citizens to join together and enact improvement not only for our state’s prosperity but also for the advancement of tomorrow’s leaders,” wrote Senator Larry Obhof, President of the Ohio Senate.
Burnett accepted the award at the Northeast Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association awards banquet in April.
Photo: Left: Clay Burnett; Right: Kevin Leigh, Athletic Director, Padua Franciscan High School.
How to Connect FinalForms and ProgressBook in 5 Easy Steps
The FinalForms–ProgressBook certification and integration processes are 100% complete meaning school districts throughout Ohio can now integrate two of their most crucial applications: FinalForms and ProgressBook. The integration connects FinalForms’ premier data collection, verification, and distribution system with Software Answers’ robust ProgressBook Student Information System (SIS).
4 Questions to Ask the Best Online Athletic Forms Providers
We love questions. A curious prospect often turns into a content customer. Whether you’re shaking hands at a conference or sitting for a complete product demonstration, your time with each potential service provider is limited. The best way to maximize these meetings is to be prepared.
Top 5 Reasons Why YOU Should Attend the NIAAA National Athletic Directors Conference
“One of the most important things Athletic Directors can do is join and participate in their State and National Associations,” claims Bruce Brown, OIAAA Executive Director. “The Annual Conference provides ADs with the opportunity to gain perspective on leadership in the evolving landscape of education-based athletics.”
Here are just a few of the many workshop offerings:
- Mentoring Coaches for Their Personal Growth
- Increasing Student Participation and Retention
- Why Encourage Multi-Sport Participation?
… and a few key courses for every Athletic Director:
FinalForms Celebrates 1,200 Schools by Breaking Ground in 5 New States!
When Cross Country Coach Clay Burnett, now CEO, signed the first 12 schools in 2012, he wasn’t thinking exponential growth; he was attempting to solve simple problems.
Now the FinalForms team, comprised of 20+, serves 1,200+ schools in 16 states. FinalForms solves an extraordinary number of problems by understanding needs and deploying data management solutions. Features include automated options to manage parent communication, coach certification, and athlete eligibility as well as specialized solutions for attendance, inventory, and urgent mental health notifications.
“The core vision of FinalForms remains helping our schools collect, verify, and distribute data to guarantee compliance and increase safety,” states Burnett. “We keep things simple and solve the problems that plague every athletic department.”
FinalForms is actively expanding the team by adding ambassadors and salespeople in strategic markets. “It’s all about the people,” claims Burnett. “From a coach’s perspective, we’re assembling a dream team.” The ever-expanding team expects to follow a rapid growth trajectory for years to come.
“We’re proud to be first on board in North Carolina. FinalForms delivers a unique set of features and services previously unavailable in our market,” says Jamie Lee, Athletic Director at Cleveland High School in Johnston County, North Carolina.
1,000 schools and 5 new states may be the story right now, but stay tuned… breaking news is the norm for FinalForms.
7 New Payment Features: Cash, Credit, Payment Plans, Late Fees, and More!
The FinalForms Team understands what schools need when they ask for new features. While past payment features covered the basic need to process online payments, there was a level of service that remained out-of-reach.
The most recent round of Summer 2018 updates includes 7 major updates that transform FinalForms into a full service online payment system:
- Payment Documentation
- Multi-School Family Caps
- Partial Payment Status for Payment Plans
- External Payment Mode for Checks and Cash
- Late Fees
- Billing for Missing Equipment
- Improved Receipts for Parents
Julie Renner, Director of Operations, validated the Sales Team reports and Client requests for improvements. “In my 23 years as an educator, payment plans were always a headache. I knew FinalForms could help.” Renner coordinated with the Development Team to plot the plan for optimization. The enhancements are scheduled for delivery in July 2018.
3 More State Titles: Coach Clay Burnett is Obsessed with Competition
Since 2015, Burnett’s tracksters racked up 6 State Championships, 2 Silver Medals, 2 Bronze Medals and 5 additional podium spots. Remarkably, the feats include a 3-peat in the Girls 4x800m and a 1600m State Record: 4:05.62.
Burnett is a cerebral, charismatic force to be reckoned with in any arena of competition. “My focus is maximizing potential when it counts the most,” states Burnett. His aura visibly brightens when peak performance is the topic.
“Clay’s ability to gauge competition, uncover weaknesses and utilize strengths is unique. He creates capable teams and boosts performance to an exaggerated level. He’s an admirable leader,” explains rival Coach Chris Ickes of Kenston High School.
During the same years Burnett earned statewide respect for his track program, he’s elevated FinalForms to the lead of the education technology industry. The FinalForms team of educators and peerless product quickly create enthusiastic advocates out of every day users. Burnett’s track record for business includes 6 consecutive years of triple-digit growth and a nearly perfect client retention report.
“I’m excited about what’s to come. We have revolutionary ideas on the whiteboard that will really open your eyes in the next few years. Stay tuned!” Burnett exclaims as he walks out the office door, back to the track.