Blazing a New Trail: Wisconsin District Leads the Way in Modernizing SIS and ERP

Case Studies > Blazing a New Trail: Wisconsin District Leads the Way in Modernizing SIS and ERP

As longtime Skyward users, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools embrace Skyward Qmlativ to streamline operations and lead future change.

For Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, innovation has never been about keeping up but instead about leading the way. With decades of combined experience using Skyward, Phil Bickelhaupt, director of technology, and Jean Westover, student database manager, have seen firsthand how the right student information system can propel a district toward achieving its goals.
 

Grounded in experience

Bickelhaupt brings more than 20 years of experience working with Skyward, while Westover has spent 12 years in her current role, plus another 10 years as a school secretary, where she first began using Skyward.

That long history gives the duo a unique perspective. They’ve witnessed how Skyward has grown and adapted over time, and they bring that insight into every technology decision they make today.

"Hands down, the close relationship that we have with Skyward is the biggest benefit "

First steps toward change

When WRPS began exploring Qmlativ, the motivation was clear: they knew change was coming and wanted to be in control of it.

“I wanted to be in the driver’s seat,” said Bickelhaupt.

Westover agreed, noting that WRPS prides itself on being proactive rather than reactive. “We like to consider ourselves as movers and shakers.”

Beyond mindset, there were practical reasons for the move. The district wanted to unify their SIS and ERP systems, and transition away from hosting their own data to take advantage of ISCorp hosting. Once they evaluated Qmlativ’s cost and capabilities, the decision was clear.

As the team put it, once they saw the pricing, it was “a no brainer” to make the leap.
 

A steady guide

Throughout their transition and continued use of Qmlativ, WRPS has felt supported by Skyward every step of the way.

“I feel like for the most part, I have great support, especially when compared to other third parties that I work with,” Westover shared.

Bickelhaupt emphasized that Skyward’s responsiveness sets the company apart. “Skyward does such a good job of listening to our problems, rectifying them, and continuing to do so.”

For WRPS, that ongoing dialogue has helped build trust and ensure their voice is always part of the development process.

"I feel like for the most part, I have great support, especially when compared to other third parties that I work with"

Reducing obstacles

When asked about the biggest benefits of Skyward and Qmlativ, Bickelhaupt didn’t hesitate: “Hands down, the close relationship that we have with Skyward is the biggest benefit we have.”

The district’s proximity to Skyward’s headquarters (just over 20 miles away) has helped foster that partnership, but it’s the people and communication that truly stand out.

For WRPS, additional benefits include:
 

• ISCorp hosting, which reduced internal IT burden
• Reliable and responsive support
• A robust parent portal
• A modern, user-friendly interface
• A cohesive look and feel between SIS and ERP, making it easier for staff to navigate and learn

Together, these features have increased efficiency while creating a better experience for WRPS students, families, and staff.
 

Refining the journey

Even with their success, WRPS continues to look for ways to make Qmlativ work even harder for them.

“I would like to expand the use of our graduation module,” Bickelhaupt explained.

“We are constantly trying to make Qmlativ more efficient for our specific needs,” said Westover. “My current focus areas include MTSS and special education tools.

Ongoing efforts include refining ERP automation and customizing workflows to further streamline district operations.

"We are constantly trying to make Qmlativ more efficient for our specific needs"

Sharing the trail

Bickelhaupt and Westover don’t just speak positively about Qmlativ, they actively recommend it. They’ve already met with four to five other districts to share their experience.

Westover encourages districts to learn from one another and prepare thoughtfully before implementation. “Overall, we like to stress that Qmlativ is 100% worth it, but make sure you do x, y, z before getting started, as it will make your experience much more smooth.”

Their advice is grounded in experience and delivered with the same transparency Skyward has shown them over the years.

Reliability that goes the distance

After decades of collaboration, WRPS sees Skyward as more than a software provider.

Instead, it’s a partner that listens, adapts, and continues to grow alongside them, helping them stay in the driver’s seat and lead change with confidence.