It’s no secret that districts face a slew of challenges when it comes to their schools’ communication strategies. Families have high expectations for how their school districts share information. Parents want easy access to updates, notifications, and messages, but they find it hard to keep track of important digital communications when they're sprinkled across emails, websites, and social media, especially if English isn't their preferred language.

If your district struggles with messaging or language barriers or continues to drop the ball on important updates, it might be time to look at the root cause. From delayed responses to parents feeling out of the loop, these communication issues are all signs that your district is ready for a mobile app.

Mobile apps can centralize communication and news, provide real-time updates, and break down the barriers holding your community back. Sounds pretty good, right?

If you're thinking about a mobile app for your district, start by asking yourself these questions:

1. Does Your District Need to Simplify Communication Channels?

One of the main hurdles many districts face is managing the different ways they communicate with families. Parents often find themselves juggling multiple sources of information, whether it’s email, text messages, or phone calls — they may have to check the school's website and social media or even log into a portal for the most basic updates.

While these communication tools serve important roles, they can also overwhelm parents struggling to keep up with multiple communication channels.

If you're looking for a way to simplify school district communications and help parents stay informed, a mobile app could be the solution because it acts as a central hub where parents can access everything they need.

Whether it’s the school calendar, athletic schedules, or lunch menus, parents don’t have to switch between platforms or worry about missing a critical update. With a single source for all communication, families stay informed without the hassle.

2. Is It Difficult for Parents to Manage Notifications from Multiple Schools?

For parents with children in multiple schools or grade levels, managing communication can be an even bigger nightmare. Suppose your district regularly receives complaints about parents missing updates or struggling with the sheer number of messages. In that case, a mobile app would allow parents to filter notifications by school or grade level.

This means users can choose to receive updates only about their child’s school or grade level rather than being swamped by messages that aren’t relevant. With fewer distractions, parents can focus on the updates that only directly affect them.

3. Is Your Current Communication System Impersonal and Slow?

While more than 2 million apps are available to download from Apple's App Store, only one is specifically built to ​​​​bring your community closer together.

Parents want to receive timely and relevant updates, and a key feature of a district's mobile app is the ability to receive personalized push notifications. Instead of sending the same message to every parent, schools can target specific groups based on location or campus.

Suppose you need to send important information, like weather alerts, last-minute schedule changes, or urgent notifications. In that case, you can send translated and personalized notifications straight to users’ mobile apps in real time with Finalsite's mass notification system.

Personalized notifications make parents feel more connected and informed because the information they receive is directly related to their family. For example, a parent with an elementary school-aged child can receive notifications specific to that school, while high school parents get updates relevant to their student's needs.

4. Does Your District Struggle to Reach Non-English-Speaking Families?

In many districts, language barriers can prevent effective school communication with non-English-speaking families.

If your district struggles to engage these families, a mobile app with automatic translation features can make a difference when receiving notifications. With the option for two-way messaging through a chat app, messages are translated into each family’s preferred language so everyone can participate in the conversation, and no one is left behind.

5. Is Your Current System Difficult for Staff to Manage?

Managing multiple communication platforms can create additional headaches for teachers, administrators, and IT staff members, and that's the last thing they need. If your staff finds it challenging to keep up with different communication tools, a mobile app could streamline this process.

Finalsite’s mobile app integrates with existing systems like your student information system (SIS), which means classroom groups, divisions, athletics teams, and contact lists are updated automatically.

Keep Reading: Best Mobile Apps for Schools: Easy for Admins, Powerful for All

Your district can continue using the platforms it’s already familiar with while offering a more convenient user experience for families. Teachers, for example, don’t have to create new communication channels, as classroom groups are automatically generated from the SIS.

Plus, parents benefit from a smooth experience that doesn’t require them to learn or navigate a completely new system.

6. Are Your Families Wanting More Ways to Stay Connected?

With the app’s real-time chat feature, parents can quickly reach out to teachers, coaches, or administrators to ask questions, address concerns, or stay updated on their child’s progress.

This direct, two-way communication helps parents feel more involved in their child’s day. Additionally, the chat feature allows teachers to send quick updates to the entire class, team, or individual parents so families stay connected and informed.

For example, a teacher can send an update about an event or assignment, and parents can respond immediately if they have questions.

7. Do You Need a Secure and Scalable Communication Tool?

As your district grows, so do the challenges of maintaining scalable communication with your families. If your district is looking for a communication tool that can grow with your needs and still protect its data, a mobile app is a reliable option.

8. Do You Want to Build Stronger Brand Equity for Your District?

A strong district brand helps establish and build that recognition every district wants. If your district is looking to strengthen its image, a district-branded mobile app can help. Finalsite’s app provides a modern, unified interface, and parents will pair the app’s efficiency with your district’s commitment to clear communication and family engagement.

Key Takeaway

Mobile apps in school districts are meeting the communication needs and expectations of families, students, and staff. If your district is looking for ways to streamline communications, a mobile app may be the perfect solution to encourage stronger family engagement and unify your messaging.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. As Finalsite’s Senior Content Marketing Manager, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.