Over the past three decades, schools have increasingly recognized the value of having their own poster maker. From creating personalized instructional materials to motivating students with custom posters featuring their peers, the demand for high-quality, school-specific poster makers has surged. With so many models available, schools need to select a system that aligns with their unique needs, ensuring they can maximize the positive impact on both learning and engagement. That’s where Presentation Solutions’ ColorPro ULTRA 2 comes into play, expertly designed for the specific needs of K-12 institutions. Founded in 1990 by Joe C. Powell, the company has established a strong presence in the education sector, offering complete turnkey systems that address the wide range of challenges schools face today. “Built specifically for K-12 schools, the ColorPro ULTRA 2 Poster Maker perfectly balances durability and functionality. It’s tough enough for daily use, versatile for indoor and outdoor posters and avoids being excessive for school needs,” says Powell, president and CEO. Selecting the right poster maker for a school requires careful consideration of its unique needs, much like choosing the appropriate vehicle for a specific task. For example, one wouldn’t use a Prius to tow a trailer. A budget printer isn’t designed to handle the high volume and complexity of school printing demands. The ColorPro ULTRA 2 is specifically engineered for schools, offering an ideal balance of performance, durability, and ease of use. Built to withstand daily use in a school environment, it effortlessly prints both indoor and outdoor posters. Additionally, it delivers vivid, large-scale visuals that capture attention in ways that flat screens or projectors cannot match. While most printers are just tools, the ColorPro ULTRA 2 is a complete solution. The system includes a kiosk-style design station pre-loaded with over 1,000 editable, educationspecific templates, allowing schools to quickly produce posters on any topic, customized to their unique needs. The software is intuitive enough that even non-technical staff can operate it efficiently, making it easy to design posters ranging from classroom visuals to motivational banners featuring students. Schools can now design and print confidently, knowing the ColorPro ULTRA 2 offers the flexibility and customization needed to bring their unique vision to life. More Than a Poster Maker One significant challenge schools face is the limitation of digital visuals. While electronic displays are effective, they disappear when turned off. In contrast, posters and banners created with the ColorPro ULTRA 2 provide a permanent educational presence. Whether it’s periodic tables, historical timelines, or motivational messages, these posters remain visible long after technology is switched off. In addition to educational content, the ColorPro ULTRA 2 addresses another critical need: student motivation. A standout feature of this system is its ability to help schools create motivational posters using images of their students. When students see themselves and their peers celebrated for academic or extracurricular achievements, it fosters a culture of pride and motivation. This visual recognition encourages others to strive for success, transforming school walls into vibrant showcases of student achievement. Another benefit is the ColorPro ULTRA 2’s fundraising potential. Schools have used the system to create everything from birthday banners to sponsorship posters for athletic events. For example, one school in Kentucky generated $12,000 in a single weekend by selling sponsorship posters at an archery tournament.

Forward Thinking Consulting Organization

The higher education sector is witnessing significant changes, including shifting student demographics, increasing competition, and rising costs, which are pressuring institutions to adapt and evolve. A strategy many colleges and universities are adopting is mergers and acquisitions (M&A). By joining forces with other institutions, they can leverage economies of scale, expand their geographic reach, and improve overall financial stability. Assisting higher education institutions with their M&A endeavors is Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education (SPH) Consulting Group. SPH Consulting Group is a forward-thinking consulting organization helping higher education institutions develop and implement effective strategies for growth and sustainability. A beacon of hope for clients, it assists them in navigating the challenges around sustainable growth by enabling them to focus on M&A, partnerships, and consolidations. Led by a team of seasoned professionals with deep expertise in higher education, SPH Consulting Group excels in various service areas, including strategic planning, enrollment management, program development, and fundraising. Uniquely, all team members have overseen or managed many aspects of actual mergers, consolidations and acquisitions in higher education. “With our deep industry knowledge and extensive network of contacts, we are an invaluable partner for higher education institutions looking to stay ahead of the curve. We enable clients to find like-minded partners they can work with to achieve their present objectives while supporting them to be successful in the future,” states Ricardo Azziz, president and principal, SPH Consulting Group. At a time when the higher education arena is facing excess capacity and a significant reduction in student enrollment numbers, SPH Consulting Group strongly advocates the value of merger or consolidation instead of closure, particularly an unplanned one, which detrimentally impacts students, faculties, and the community.

Holistic Approach To Education

Fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their social and marginalized identities has become essential for educational institutions. The welcoming and supportive milieu creates a sense of belonging, improves academic outcomes, and prepares students to thrive in a diverse world. This is where WhitworthKee Consulting makes a world of difference. The consulting firm with a focus on education, is driven by the mission to create productive and inclusive learning environments and effective programs that generate equitable opportunities for every student to achieve their educational goals and become a socially responsible citizens by supporting others and strengthening communities. WhitworthKee strives to establish an environment where marginalized populations are recognized, and their voices are heard. WhitworthKee aims to create a significant change through its research, evaluation, organizational assessments, strategic planning, and professional development services. In addition, WhitworthKee collaborates with clients to build capacity and develop DEI strategies that intentionally address needs. "We take a holistic approach that draws on the diverse experiences and professional expertise of our team members who have worked in both consulting and educational environments. This wealth of knowledge allows us to manage projects, evaluate programs, and design research protocols with confidence and precision," says Dr. Chad Kee, CEO and founder,WhitworthKee. Kee has a Ph.D. degree in Educational leadership and Policy from Iowa State University.

IN MY OPINION

Software and Technologies

The Essential Role of Mobile Device Management in Modern K-12 Education

Troy Lunt, Technology Director, Data Privacy Manager, Iron County School District

LAST WORD

Poster Printing

A Model for Secondary School Blended Learning

Andy Mifsud EdD, Director of Digital Learning Innovation, Barker College

EDITORIAL

The Evolving World of Poster Printing

The poster printing industry, once the mainstay of advertising, event promotion, and art reproduction, is undergoing a dynamic transformation fueled by technological advances, increased customization, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. As consumer demands evolve and new printing technologies emerge, poster printing is not just staying relevant—it’s becoming more versatile, eco-friendly, and creative.

With the development of advanced large-format printers, poster printing now offers unparalleled detail and clarity. New HD inkjet printers can produce stunning, high-resolution images at larger-than-ever scales, bringing artwork, photography, and advertisements to life in rich color and sharp detail. This makes poster prints an attractive option for everything from movie posters to fine art reproductions, especially with the push for “Instagrammable” quality in public displays and retail spaces.

Personalization is reshaping industries, and poster printing is no exception. Customers now demand products tailored to their preferences, whether it’s a single custom-designed poster for a home or a set of personalized posters for a small business. Digital printing and on-demand printing solutions have enabled printers to meet these needs efficiently, offering everything from simple design adjustments to fully customized artwork.

With posters increasingly used outdoors for events, advertisements, and public installations, durability is a key consideration. Modern poster printing now includes UV-resistant inks and weatherproof coatings, enabling prints to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and other elements without fading.

As poster printing continues to adapt to market demands and environmental concerns, it’s clear that this traditional medium is more versatile and dynamic than ever. From individualized art prints to interactive advertising, the future of poster printing holds exciting potential, demonstrating that even in the digital age, printed posters still have a powerful role in communication and expression.

In this edition, we have featured Presentation Solutions. Founded in 1990 by Joe C. Powell, the company has established a strong presence in the education sector, offering complete turnkey systems that address the wide range of challenges schools face today.