4. Consolidation of Back-Office Systems and Support

4. Consolidation of Business, Data, and Technology Services: There is hidden potential to fund our push for one:one for every student by reducing the cost of schooling in Michigan by consolidating “back office” operations, including student information systems, instructional data systems, and business accounting software. The lack of consistent Internet connectivity has slowed this progress, but we lack clear state-level policy and incentives for moving this consolidation forward. By consolidating business, data, and technology services to a regional level, Michigan will increase the quality of services while reducing cost and increasing the use of data in making decisions. 

So can you help? This blog is meant to help "crowd source" an annotated bibliography that provides empirical support for the five points. Our goal is to move 54321 Michigan beyond a rant or response into action and we need to provide an evidence-based industry like public education with support that good things can and should be done.

Can support the claim that "consolidation of back-office systems and support will improve opportunities to innovate" with a citation and link to a resource? Then post a comment with that information. Please try to use APA if you can. Thank you!