Berkeley Elementary Schoolis a small private school that has retained your services as a systems analyst to assist in the development of a new information system for the school's administrative needs.

Background

Berkeley Elementary School is a small, private school in the Northeast United States. For the past 20 years, it has offered a curriculum for preschool through 5th grade. Five years ago it expanded to offer after-school care, usually referred to as after care, on premises. After care is not only offered to Berkeley's students, but also for students of other schools in the area.

As an independent systems analyst, you work as an IT consultant, specializing in developing IT solutions for small businesses. You have been contacted by the director, Victoria Owens, to discuss the possibility of setting up a computer system to handle some of the school's administrative and financial tasks. She explains to you that Berkeley is experiencing significant increases in enrollment applications for all programs. Increases in applications, coupled with increased demand for after-school care, have led to a very high workload for the administrative personnel and staff. The principal and teachers have stepped in where possible, but the demand is becoming too great. Berkeley Elementary School is a non-profit, and is not in a position to hire another full-time administrative position, which is what the principal and director think would be needed to handle the increased workload. You agree to meet with Victoria and the principal, Kathy Gilliardto discuss the school and its need for an information system.