Our current website platform will be discontinued in 2026, which means we must transition to a new content management system. This transition is necessary to ensure all school websites remain active, secure, and accessible.

The new system will also address issues that the previous platform could not support, such as improved accessibility for users with disabilities and built-in translation tools for our multilingual families. This helps us better serve every family and meet legal accessibility requirements.

No additional funding was used for this project. The redesign is fully covered within the existing budget. We selected the vendor through a competitive, formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process to ensure the responsible use of public funds.

We’re excited to begin rolling out new school websites this fall. Starting in September 2025, we’ll begin training staff and moving content in batches. School websites will launch in phases beginning November 2025, with all sites live by July 31, 2026.

This is a collaborative effort. Our partner, Finalsite, has a dedicated team—including a professional web designer—working closely with us. The WCPSS project team includes staff from the Communications Department and Technology Services. We’ve also gathered input from school staff, district staff, and families at every stage to ensure the new websites meet the needs of our entire community.

Voices from across our community shaped our school website redesign. Throughout four rounds of feedback, we gathered insights from families, principals, school staff, and central services teams.

Yes. All school website editors will receive training to help them confidently manage their new sites. Finalsite will offer both in-person and virtual sessions, along with built-in training tools available anytime within the platform.

The WCPSS Communications team will also share ongoing support, including content tips, accessibility guidance, and resources, to help schools keep their websites clear, welcoming, and up to date.

Yes. Each school’s homepage will include an icon bar with up to eight quick-access buttons. These icons highlight frequently used items, like calendars, lunch menus, and bus routes, so families can find what they need fast.

Mobile experience has been a top priority. The designer has focused on making sure every element, from menus to buttons, works well on phones and tablets to support families on the go.

Homepage panels will come with clear content guidance to help editors focus on what matters most. Schools will only use the panels they need, so if a section isn’t relevant, it won’t appear on the homepage. While mockups show all panel options, the final homepage will be clean, flexible, and easy to navigate.

To support a smooth transition, each school website editor will receive a sitemap that provides the content structure for all school websites. This simple guide shows how content will be organized, making it easier for families to find what they need. The sitemap helps editors plan and ensures key information is clearly placed and easy to access.

Each school is responsible for keeping its website current. Principals and designated staff will continue to update school-specific content. To ensure consistency across the district, key information, like calendars and enrollment links, can be added by district staff and automatically shared with school sites.

Yes. Schools will continue to manage the content and events that matter most to their communities. District teams will take care of systemwide updates, such as district calendars, enrollment forms, and lunch menus, so families can always count on accurate, up-to-date details.

Every school website will include a built-in staff directory. This directory will update automatically each night, making it easy for families to find the right contacts without delay.

Yes. Accessibility is a core feature of the new platform. The design meets WCAG 2.1 standards to support users of all abilities. School website editors will also receive training on how to create accessible content so that every visitor can navigate and use the site with ease.

Yes. A translation tool is built into every page. Families can find it at the top right of the website header and use it to view content in the language that works best for them.

Yes. We encourage schools to feature photos that reflect their unique community. Highlighting your own students and staff helps families feel connected and welcome.

School staff choose the images and highlights that appear on their homepage. The district may also add important districtwide items, like the weekly community newsletter or emergency announcements, such as weather-related closures, when needed.