The task of managing an information technology (IT) system in a school environment poses unique challenges. For example, one of the greatest challenges facing individual schools is the lack of integration among various information systems. The present situation in many schools is that there are many disconnected systems managing many different tasks. Systems with differing levels of functionality run independently of one another, causing multiple problems for the school's IT system. Many difficulties arise from inconsistently registered data, duplicate manual data entry, the extra time needed to manage multiple user accounts for one user, and nonproductive time spent on technical support. In addition to these problems, the task of maintaining each individual system is time consuming. The aforementioned challenges have prompted this research study. This study required an examination of the system architecture of several typical K-12 school systems and a comprehensive understanding of the business and instructional needs of a K-12 educational institution. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]