Miami-Dade Schools Selects Blackboard for Communications Solution

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) has selected Blackboard to enhance district-wide communications through the selection of its advanced mass notification capabilities, the company announced today. Through this continued partnership, Blackboard works with some of the largest school districts in the country providing their communication solution and offering consulting, including Los Angeles Unified School District and Chicago Public Schools.

Following a comprehensive evaluation process of leading notification providers, officials cited their selection of Blackboard's student and parent engagement solution due to the company's wide range of innovative products and longstanding experience with providing solutions and services specifically designed for K-12 schools.

"We are dedicated to offering our community the best in technology and access, and that means making information available on mobile devices," said Alberto Carvalho, superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the 2014 Superintendent of the Year. "Our parents and students are not only asking for more access to us, but it is widely known that student outcomes improve when communities are more connected to schools. Using technology helps reduce usage barriers and thereby increase engagement."

The district will be able to instantly send texts, instant messages, emails and voice messages in multiple languages about emergency situations and other school-related information, such as school closings, announcements, weather-related information, and more, to the entire district community in seconds.

"Schools and districts are not driving communication strategies – students and parents are," said Mark Belles, senior vice president for Blackboard K-12. "We are very excited to partner with districts like MDCPS who share our vision of using technology to increase engagement and participation. Having information and resources available at students' fingertips puts more opportunities into their hands."

For more information about Blackboard, please visit www.blackboard.com or follow @Blackboard on Twitter.

About Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard Inc. is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially as a result of various important factors. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

SOURCE Blackboard Inc.