BY JESSICA STEELEY
Clarkston News Staff Writer

After months of research, design, and development, area residents can view Clarkston Community Schools new website, www.clarkston.k12.mi.us.
The district worked with the web design and software firm Finalsite to update the website, which was launched Sept. 5. The firm specifically serves schools and educational organizations, said Marketing Director Mary Ellen Rowe.
Initial design and setup costs were $7,500. They’re on a one-year contract with Finalsite to be renewed in 2018. The yearly fee for software, site hosting and updates is $9,500. However, the fee was waived for the first year.
District and individual school homepages now have mobile-friendly buttons leading to frequently visited pages, improving clarity and ease of use for cell phones as well as desk and laptop computers.
Some other functions of the new site include an interactive district calendar, searchable district-wide faculty/staff directory, and school social media feeds and stories on the district page.
Community-focused resources and information are also presented up front, such as information on bond projects, Clarkston for Life well-being initiative, and CCS community partnerships.
Community feedback on the website is welcome, and they will be making tweaks based on suggestions, Rowe said. Check out the new website at www.clarkston.k12.mi.us.