In the world of education, acronyms are abundant, and one that most people may have never heard is EMIS. EMIS stands for Education Management Information Systems, and the role of this data-management position is essential to the success of a school district. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated individual who ensures that Anthony Wayne Local Schools remains compliant in its reporting requirements to the state of Ohio.
Critical Thinking Required
Jana Leininger has served as the EMIS Coordinator for AWLS the last three years, but has 11 years of experience in the role. When asked how to explain her work for the District, she laughed and said, “I manage a lot of spreadsheets.” While it is true that she maintains a lot of information, the reality of her job is far more complex.
In short, her work includes managing, reviewing and interpreting data to ensure it is accurately and efficiently shared with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. In collaboration with District directors, building administrators and secretaries, she reports on a wide array of information, ranging from enrollment and attendance to special education compliance, staff licensure, and the courses they teach.
“The funding the District receives from the state is directly tied to various data points, and we have to be sure we’re staying in compliance with the state’s requirements,” Jana said. “The District’s funding is related to the number of students enrolled at AWLS and shared with other districts, and district programs like special education services, College Credit Plus and others, all depend on accurate data.”
The information provided to the state also provides key insights into the students’ academic performance progress - important factors measured on the District’s state report card. This data is also analyzed by administrators and instructional staff members to identify where the District is performing well and where there is room for improvement.
“When you take a look at the state assessment results, information related to graduation progress, and attendance, you can get a holistic view of the factors that contribute to student learning,” she said. “The educators in the District then use that information to make data-driven decisions about how to best teach and support students.”
Serving Families with Empathy
Jana’s work extends beyond the state mandated data collection and management. She also supports the student enrollment and transfer process, by leading kindergarten enrollment and returning student registration each year. Much of her responsibility in supporting families through this process revolves around ensuring they have the documentation they need.
“I frequently work through legal documentation with families for things like custody and guardianship documents,” Jana said. “These situations can get complicated, and I want to help families by being a resource for them as they work to provide the information we need to have on file for their child.”
A Collaborative Effort
Whether it’s supporting families, working with other staff members as a part of the data collection process, collaboration is a vital part of Jana’s work. She is in regular contact with the main offices across the District to ensure attendance is reported accurately, and she especially closely with the Student Services Department.
“Special education information is a big piece of the state requirement,” Jana said. “The reporting process helps us ensure that we are managing and following the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for the students who receive special education services.”
She also works with secretarial staff on professional development days to ensure they have the most up-to-date training as it relates to data entry and management.
Jana is also part of a larger network of local EMIS Coordinators, making connections she describes as crucial to her work.
“Most school districts, especially those of our size and smaller only have one EMIS Coordinator, and you can’t just walk down the hall to troubleshoot an issue,” she said. “So I regularly meet with other coordinators for training, to share best practices and collaborate.”
Remaining Adaptable to Continuous Change
Over the years, the scope of the EMIS role has grown significantly. What was once a part-time job focused on reporting enrollment and attendance, now demands full-time dedication and continual innovation to streamline processes.
“Technology and laws related to education are continually changing,” Jana explained. “It’s important that we stay up to date with all the changes and look for ways to be as accurate and efficient as possible.”
One of the ways the District has made these processes more efficient is by expanding its use of FinalForms. What was once used solely for student-athletes is now being used by all families to improve the enrollment and returning student registration processes.
“It’s more convenient for families to use one system and it updates in real-time, which means our contact information updates as a parent makes changes,” Jana said. “That helps to ensure we can reach them during the school day for attendance purposes and if their child becomes sick at school.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about changes she would like to see, Jana highlights the need for lawmakers to better understand the practical implications of compliance-related laws on school districts.
“The expectations and requirements are continually changing,” Jana said. “The state does provide excellent training, but it would be helpful if policymakers had more insight into the realities of the day-to-day functions of our schools.”
Despite the challenges, this role is a labor of love. “I thoroughly enjoy what I do. It’s not for everyone, but I find the problem-solving and collaborative aspects incredibly rewarding. When I can find a solution and hear someone say, ‘Thank you!’—that makes it all worth it.”
Mission Critical Work
The work of an EMIS Coordinator happens behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed, but its impact is felt in every corner of the District. From securing funding to driving instructional improvements, this role ensures that the foundation of our education system—information about our students—is strong and reliable. Thank you, Jana for your careful attention to detail and commitment to ensuring the District remains compliant with the state’s ever-changing requirements!