The K-12 Architecture Kit does not have a native feature to send SMS messages to parents. However, there are several apps on the AppExchange that can provide this functionality, such as Mogli SMS1, SMS Magic, or Twilio for Salesforce. These apps can integrate with Salesforce and allow users to send and receive SMS messages from within the platform. The consultant should recommend the school to explore the available apps on the AppExchange and choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.
Marketing Cloud is a Salesforce solution that provides digital marketing tools, such as email, mobile, social, and web. Marketing Cloud can also send SMS messages to contacts, but it is a more complex and expensive solution than an app on the AppExchange. Marketing Cloud may not be necessary for the school's requirement of sending simple SMS messages to parents. Education Data Architecture (EDA) is a Salesforce solution that provides a flexible data architecture for educational institutions. EDA does not have a native feature to send SMS messages either.
Reference:
1: 7 obstacles & text messaging solutions for K-12 school ... - Mogli1
2: SMS-Magic Converse Text Messaging - AppExchange
3: Twilio for Salesforce - AppExchange
4: Marketing Cloud Overview - Salesforce
5: Education Data Architecture Overview - Salesforce