Lincoln Public Schools is considering a $10.46 million modernization of the computer systems used to manage employee payroll, hiring, benefits, purchasing and other administrative operations.
The proposal received its first reading during Tuesday night’s Lincoln Board of Education meeting. A final vote is expected November 24.
Under the plan, LPS would move its existing Infor enterprise resource planning system from district-operated servers to the company’s cloud-based platform.
The proposal includes two major contracts:
– $6,526,739 to Infor for software and related services covering five years.
– $3,934,240 to Intellias Inc. to assist with implementation and migration.
The combined proposed contract amount is $10,460,979.
Why the District Says the Change Is Necessary
Kirk Langer, LPS Chief Technology Officer
LPS Chief Technology Officer Kirk Langer told board members the district’s current system will lose vendor support in January 2030.
Langer said the district needs to complete the transition well before that deadline to avoid potential security and operational problems.
He explained that continuing to operate an unsupported system could leave important financial information vulnerable if security updates are no longer available.
The district is targeting September 1, 2028, for implementation, allowing an additional year as a contingency if the project encounters delays.
Langer said the September target is important because it coincides with the beginning of the district’s annual teacher payroll cycle.
The new system would also consolidate functions currently handled by separate applications, including employee recruitment and talent management.
According to Langer, the integration should reduce duplicate data entry, improve accuracy and make it easier for employees to access payroll, benefits and other information.
Millions in Implementation Costs
Dr. Liz Standish, LPS Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs.
LPS Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs Liz Standish outlined the financial implications of the transition.
Standish said the district has already incorporated funding for the project into its long-range budget planning.
The implementation is expected to involve approximately $3 million in one-time expenses spread across multiple years, with money available from previously planned general fund and depreciation fund resources.
Standish also described ongoing annual system costs of approximately $1 million, including an estimated $200,000 in additional recurring costs beyond amounts already budgeted.
District officials characterized the transition as a major investment but one intended to support administrative operations for many years.
Langer estimated the new system could have a useful life of 20 to 30 years.
Protecting Employee Payroll
Board members also discussed the importance of avoiding disruptions to employee paychecks during implementation.
Langer said the district reviewed experiences at other school systems that have moved to similar platforms, particularly their handling of teacher contracts and payroll.
Intellias was selected following an evaluation of three potential implementation partners.
Langer said the district placed particular importance on the experience and continuity of the team responsible for completing the work.
The proposal is scheduled to return for a second reading and possible approval November 24.
The Board of Education meeting can be viewed on the LPS YouTube Channel.