Aliquippa School District faced challenges with outdated scoreboards, the need for engaging game-day experiences, and managing printing costs. By partnering with The Wilson Group and Sharp, the district implemented dvLED scoreboards, ScoreVision software, and PaperCut-managed MFPs, enhancing event operations, generating advertising revenue, and improving communication and cost efficiency.
Challenges
Aliquippa School District, located in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has a population of just over 9,000 residents. The district encompasses a Junior/Senior high school, an elementary school and a charter school, fostering a vibrant community with a strong emphasis on sports. Competing as the Aliquippa Quips in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League, the high school basketball team is the reigning state champion. Despite its strengths, the district faced several challenges, including outdated analog scoreboards requiring manual operation, the need for engaging, professional-quality game day experiences and a desire for a solution that could integrate advertising to generate funding. Additionally, keeping track of and managing printing costs was a challenge.
Technology Solutions
To address these challenges, Aliquippa School District turned to Sharp dealer The Wilson Group, a longtime partner, for help with their technology needs. The district installed two of Sharp’s NEC Direct View LED (dvLED) scoreboards in the junior/high school gymnasium. Known for their brightness and clarity, Aliquippa’s 162" dvLED display boasts a 1.8mm pixel pitch, while the 135” display offers a 1.5mm pixel pitch, ensuring clear visuals, even in bright lighting. Additionally, the district adopted ScoreVision software, a cloud-based platform that collects, stores and distributes game information, digital media advertising and announcements. The software enables seamless management from mobile devices, enhancing operational efficiency. During games, three mobile devices are synched with the scoreboards: one for production, another for instant replays and a third for scorekeeping.
The new scoreboards also support advertising integration, providing a valuable revenue stream for the district. For instance, sponsor ads were displayed during a robotics competition alongside scores, offsetting event costs and providing scholarships for student athletes.
“The boards have helped us get funding through advertising for the programs that the students need to succeed,” said Dr. Phillip Woods, Superintendent.
AQUOS BOARD collaboration displays were also installed throughout the district for large staff meetings, ensuring visibility for all attendees with a main screen and additional boards spread around the room. Furthermore, approximately 40 MFPs throughout the district are managed using PaperCut software to monitor and control printing costs effectively.
Proven Results
Implementing these technology solutions has delivered transformative results for the Aliquippa School District. The gym’s digital scoreboards create professional and user-friendly events, engaging both athletes and spectators. AQUOS BOARD interactive displays have facilitated effective communication during staff meetings, ensuring all participants remain engaged.
“We try our best to find ways to stay as efficient as possible for our students and faculty,” said Dr. Woods. “Now, during large staff meetings, I am able to see the room and the room is able to see me, no matter how big it is.”
The combination of dvLED technology and ScoreVision software has streamlined game operations, while PaperCut software has optimized printing resources, helping to save on costs.
By partnering with The Wilson Group and Sharp, Aliquippa School District has set a new standard in educational and athletic experiences. The integration of Sharp’s dvLED technology, ScoreVision software, AQUOS BOARD collaboration displays and Sharp MFPs with PaperCut software, exemplifies how thoughtful investments in technology can drive efficiency, engagement and success in both academics and extracurricular activities.
“The boards have helped us get funding through advertising for the programs that the students need to succeed."