At FACTS, innovation isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about what schools truly need.
Each year at the FACTS Elevate user conference, the team is reminded why they do what they do. Team members listen to the stories of educators, learn from their challenges, and celebrate the passion that drives them forward. As FACTS President Scott Spethman shared, “Metrics matter, but what everyone remembers is the heart.”
That heart—the shared belief that education can change the trajectory of a child’s life—is what guides FACTS’ product strategy, its partnerships, and its purpose.
Listening First, Building Ahead
The FACTS management team doesn’t wait for problems to become pain points. The product development process starts with listening—to school leaders, administrators, IT professionals, admissions teams, and families. The FACTS team asks questions, gathers feedback, and looks for patterns that signal what schools will need not just today, but tomorrow.
My job is to make sure we’re building the right things at the right time.
FACTS Director of K–12 Product Strategy
This critical timing means FACTS is constantly anticipating shifts in funding models, enrollment patterns, and family expectations. It means designing tools that are ready when schools are—not after the fact.
One of the most significant shifts FACTS has seen is the transition from pandemic-era relief programs like EANS to a school choice-driven landscape. As families explore new educational options, schools are being asked to differentiate themselves in new ways—often with fewer resources and higher expectations.
FACTS helps schools navigate this change by building tools that support flexibility, transparency, and family engagement. Whether it’s simplifying administrative processes or improving communication, the team’s goal is to help schools adapt—and thrive—in this evolving environment.
Innovation That Solves Real Problems
The FACTS team believes innovation should be practical, purposeful, and personal. That’s why they focus on building tools that:
- Simplify administrative workflows.
- Improve the family experience.
- Strengthen data visibility and decision-making.
- Support secure, scalable operations.
FACTS doesn’t just add features—the goal is to solve for the friction that slows schools down. And it does it in ways that reflect how schools actually work.
“While in the past we built products to serve the needs of each department at a school, now we’re thinking about how to enhance entire processes within education,” said Penner. “We’re committed to creating great user experiences for parents and families,” he added.
Technology That Empowers People
The FACTS team sees technology as a tool to empower—not replace—the human connections at the heart of education. Whether it’s streamlining enrollment, improving communication, or enhancing data insights, the goal is to make technology feel seamless and supportive.
As Spethman shared, “Growth only matters when it’s anchored in why we exist.” That’s why every product FACTS builds is designed to help schools focus more on students and less on systems.
Planning Ahead: Budgeting for Ed Tech in 2026
As schools begin planning for the 2026 budget cycle, it’s the perfect time to think strategically about educational technology. The most effective investments are those that align with your long-term goals—not just your immediate needs.
Here are a few questions to guide your planning:
- Where are your teams spending the most time on manual processes?
- What kind of experience are families having when they interact with your school?
- Are your data systems helping you lead—or just helping you react?
- How secure and scalable are your current tools?
By identifying these gaps now, you can prioritize solutions that will be ready to implement when your team is ready to move. And with FACTS, you’ll have a partner who’s already building with those needs in mind.
A Partnership That Lasts
For nearly four decades, FACTS has stood by schools through change, challenge, and growth. The organization is proud to be seen not just as a vendor, but as a partner—one that shows up with empathy, transparency, and a shared commitment to progress.
Partnership isn’t just about features and functions. Partnership means being present.
FACTS President
The annual Elevate conference is just one very visible aspect of this commitment. FACTS takes that seriously, believing that when schools succeed, students thrive—and that’s what drives the team forward.
Let’s Elevate Education—Together
FACTS is focused on creating more than products. The team emphasizes building trust, momentum, and a future where educational technology helps schools lead with confidence.
If you’re ready to elevate your school’s impact, explore FACTS today. If you’re seeking career growth with an innovative organization that partners with educators and families to elevate the education experience, explore current job opportunities with Nelnet Business Solutions.
