The District School Board of Ontario North East Modernizes with OECM and Sparkrock

How the District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) evolved its system to improve school operations.

The way Sparkrock communicated with us really set it apart from its competitors. During the pre-sales process, they quickly responded and ensured all our questions and concerns were addressed. They took a collaborative, proactive approach to problem-solving.

Stephanie Banks
ERP Project Manager
District School Board of Ontario North East

About DSB1

The District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) serves a diverse and expansive region across northeastern Ontario, from Temagami to Hearst and from Chapleau to Kirkland Lake. Guided by its mission to empower all learners to achieve personal excellence, DSB1 prioritizes equity, inclusion, and community engagement in education.

The board oversees more than 30 schools, supporting approximately 7,000 K–12 students with a dedicated team of educators and staff. DSB1 is also deeply rooted in collaboration with Indigenous communities and local partners, ensuring culturally responsive learning and strong regional connections.

 

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The Challenge:
Shifting Systems and Endless Demands

The needs of K-12 school boards are evolving, and legacy ERP solutions often struggle to keep up with the demands. District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) recognized this challenge and saw an opportunity to modernize its operations. DSB1 partnered with Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM) to complete an ERP bid process, with a goal of selecting a more efficient and future-ready solution.

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The Solution:
Field-Tested Innovation and Expertise

During an extensive four-month evaluation, which included in-depth product demonstrations and direct engagement with vendors, Sparkrock stood out among the four vendors. 

According to DSB1 ERP Project Manager Stephanie Banks, communication played a critical role in the decision. 

"The way [Sparkrock] communicated with us really set it apart from its competitors," says Banks. " During the pre-sales process, [They] quickly responded and ensured all our questions and concerns were addressed. They took a collaborative, proactive approach to problem-solving. [Sparkrock]’s proven track record and experience working with school boards even further cemented our confidence in its capabilities as a vendor." 

Beyond communication, Sparkrock’s commitment to continuous innovation was a key factor. The board sought a modern ERP system that could replace its aging legacy platform while also being accessible and user-friendly. Sparkrock delivered on both fronts, providing a system designed specifically for the education sector.

Sparkrock’s team of experts, many of whom have firsthand experience working within school districts, was essential for DSB1. This background provided unique insight into the board’s challenges and allowed for a smoother implementation process.  

Sparkrock’s proven track record and experience working with school boards even further cemented our confidence in its capabilities as a vendor.
Stephanie Banks
ERP Project Manager
District School Board Ontario North East

The Outcome: A Solution Built
For K-12, Delivered by K-12 Experts

DSB1’s journey with Sparkrock highlights how the right ERP solution can drive efficiency, streamline operations, and support better decision-making. With Sparkrock, the district has gained a future-focused system that adapts to the evolving demands of K-12 education, ensuring ongoing success for administrators, educators, and students alike.  

As DSB1 continues to enhance its operations and adapt to the evolving needs of K-12 education, Sparkrock remains a dedicated partner, delivering a modern, efficient ERP solution designed to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of the sector.

Because Sparkrock employs people who’ve faced the same challenges as our school district, it truly understands our needs. We also really appreciate Sparkrock’s commitment to transparency and the clarity of its five-year roadmap, which together have allowed us to build a strong partnership and ensure both our organizations stay aligned in their long-term goals.
Stephanie Banks
ERP Project Manager
District School Board Ontario North East

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