Qmlativ is the latest iteration of Skyward, an information system Vashon Island School District uses for data management of student, staff and financial information, grades, scheduling, attendance, and all business services. Skyward allows for the creation of reports our schools and departments rely on, while also offering important internal uses like payroll, tracking time off, billing and invoice payments, and numerous other uses. Nearly every staff member in VISD utilizes this system as part of their work each day, and some staff members in our school offices and central office use the tool multiple times per day.

Technology evolves to meet our emerging needs. The operating system that runs Skyward is becoming outdated and impossible to upgrade. Qmlativ is the latest in an intuitive, user-friendly design to access our student, human resource and business data. Qmlativ is a powerful and flexible system that provides faster and more efficient processing and performance.

For most employees and our families, the transition does not involve any work. Much of the preparation for the transition is being handled behind the scenes by our registars and district office staff to ensure that the data migrates over cleanly and accurately. 

Our “go live” date is scheduled for August 1, 2026.

The term “dark days” refers to the period in which both Skyward SMS 2.0 and Qmlativ will not be available. This represents the final stages of the migration as the data moves from the old to the new system.

Key Dates:

• July 14: Access to Skyward is locked
• July 14-20: No access to Skyward
• July 20-31: Data validation and post migration tasks
• August 1: Skyward Qmlativ goes live.

When NWRDC is working with districts on a migration plan, they consider the size of the district they are working with, the software support team’s schedule and capacity to provide necessary support to migrating districts, as well as the impact on district processes (i.e., payroll, grading, student data, employee information, etc.). Districts also make internal plans to best assess when they will be prepared and best equipped to move forward with migration. Vashon Island School District began planning this migration years ago and were added to the summer 2026 cohort by NWRDC when all factors were considered.

For now, there are no changes. In July 2026, Skyward SMS will go dark for approximately two weeks, as the database goes through the data migration tool. During this time, Skyward SMS will be inaccessible to everyone, except those on the Qmlativ migration team. When Skyward Qmlativ is launched, the parent/guardian experience should be seamless, with information available to parents/guardians just as before, existing within a new interface and platform.

No, you will not need a new login or password. Your existing Skyward Family Access credentials will carry over to the new Skyward Qmlativ system. Once Skyward Qmlativ is live, you’ll use the same username and password to log in - just through a new interface. Instructions and updated login links will be provided closer to the launch to help make the transition smooth.