With over three decades of experience in school operations, Michael Burgess, a SIS implementation consultant, has seen just about all there is to see when it comes to technological transformation - from legacy systems to modern cloud-based platforms.
Michael’s career spans 32 years in education, including 22 years as a bursar at Trinity College in Perth. Today, he continues to make an impact as a consultant, helping independent schools across Australia transition to TASS with clarity, confidence, and calm.
We sat down with Michael and discussed insights on what makes a successful SIS implementation, and why the human side of technology change is just as important as the systems themselves. Take a look at Michael’s journey below!
Michael’s journey into SIS implementation began with a major project at Trinity College, where he led the transition from Maze to Synergetic. It was his first large-scale project management experience and one that sparked a passion for helping schools modernise their systems.
“That was my first big project management job,” Michael shares. “Since then, I’ve helped several schools implement TASS, and the process has become almost seamless.”
His experience spans multiple platforms, but it’s the recent work with TASS that stands out. As a semi-retired consultant, Michael now supports schools in navigating the complexities of SIS implementation; bringing not just technical expertise, but a calm, grounded approach that school leaders deeply appreciate. Watch the video clip for more!
One of the key themes from Michael’s experience is the importance of calm and professional support during implementation. These include educational and useful resources like webinars and leaning into team knowledge, which provide both immediate guidance and long-term resources for schools.
“The staff who run the webinars are very professional in their approach. Very calm. The knowledge bank behind it is really, really good - it gives ongoing support during and after implementation.”
This structured approach helps reduce stress for school staff, especially those who may be unfamiliar with new systems. It also empowers teams to adopt the platform with confidence, knowing they have access to reliable, well-paced training and support.
Michael’s role often involves working closely with business managers, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the implementation process. His deep understanding of school operations allows him to anticipate needs, offer reminders, and reduce pressure on school leaders.
“I almost become them - I remind them of what needs to be done. I’m like this person sitting on the right-hand shoulder, so to speak.”
This kind of support is especially valuable in independent schools, where resources may be stretched and leaders are juggling multiple priorities. Michael’s presence brings reassurance and structure, helping teams stay focused and aligned.
When Michael consults with a school, his model is built for flexibility and efficiency. While he typically begins with an in-person visit to understand the school’s context, the rest of the process is handled remotely, saving time, reducing costs, and maintaining momentum.
This remote-first approach has proven especially effective for schools in regional areas or those managing tight schedules. It also reflects a broader shift in how professional services are delivered in education - leaner, smarter, and more accessible.“Because of the way the system works, I can actually do it remotely,” he said. “The webinar system gives me the opportunity to assist without being on-site.”
In one case, a school chose TASS based on a glowing reference from another school Michael had supported. This kind of word-of-mouth trust is a powerful endorsement not just of the platform, but of the people behind it. “The second school I worked with made the decision based on the reference from the first,” he said. “They felt it was a very, very good system.”
This ripple effect highlights the importance of relationships and reputation in the education space. When schools share positive experiences, it builds confidence and accelerates adoption across the sector.
Beyond SIS implementation, Michael is also driving innovation in school procurement. His platform, Education Resource Options, is API-ready and integrates seamlessly with TASS - simplifying sourcing, quoting, and payment.“Once you’ve approved the quote, it just easily goes into the accounts payable section,” he explained. “It’s almost seamless - sourcing, procuring, and paying within the TASS program.”
This kind of interoperability is a game-changer for schools looking to reduce admin overhead and improve governance. It also supports better decision-making by providing curated vendor options and transparent workflows.
Michael is currently working with the Association of Independent Schools (WA), providing procurement solutions to over 160 schools - and he’s optimistic about expanding further. “I enjoy doing it. It’s a process that lets me use 32 years of built-up skill to help business managers.”
His work is not only practical but deeply purposeful. By helping schools streamline operations and adopt smarter systems, Michael is contributing to a more efficient, innovative, and connected education ecosystem.
Michael Burgess’s story is a powerful reminder that successful technology implementation isn’t just about systems - it’s about people. His calm, consultative approach, combined with deep operational knowledge, continues to make a meaningful impact in the independent school space.
Whether it’s through SIS implementation, procurement innovation, or simply being a trusted advisor, Michael’s work reflects the values that matter most in education: calm, clarity, and connection.