Region V Computer Services provides “one-stop shop” reporting and SMART application support services to school districts throughout south central and southeastern Minnesota.
MISSION STATEMENT
To be the preferred provider of service and support in a partnership with our educational members so they can perform their business operations efficiently and effectively.
MEMBERSHIP
Region V Computer Services is a joint powers organization of its member school districts. Region V has a membership of 76 school districts in south central and southeastern Minnesota, with a total enrollment of over 127,000 students. In addition to serving school districts, Region V also provides support to other entities such as education districts and charter schools.
GOVERNANCE
Region V Computer Services is governed by an eight member board. All districts have been assigned to one of three categories based on enrollment. While the number of districts within each category is different, the number of students is approximately the same. Each category is represented by two persons on the Governance Board. In addition, two representatives are elected at-large by all districts.
REGIONAL APPLICATION SYSTEMS
Region V provides support primarily to the business office staff of our member districts. In the areas of finance, human resources and payroll, Region V supports the application suite called SMART (System Management and Reporting Tools). SMART is designed to lessen the dependence on paper reports; data is readily available through a variety of screens as well as reports printable to the screen.
REPORTING
The region assists in reporting required data to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for member districts in the areas of UFARS (finance), STAR (staff) and MARSS (student). In addition, Region V assists districts in complying with payroll reporting of W-2’s, TRA, PERA, etc. through periodic training sessions and bulletins. Districts that receive all services from Region V appreciate the “one-stop shop” for all of their reporting needs.
TRAINING
Region V conducts a number of workshops throughout the year supporting UFARS compliance, payroll reporting, MARSS reporting, office automation and other business-related areas. Training sessions are held periodically on various SMART topics so district staff members have opportunities to increase their skill level or to help train newly hired staff. In addition, Region V staff provides specialized services to individual districts including emergency bookkeeping help, bank reconciliation, assistance in revenue projections, etc.