Send SMS/Text messages in Messages XR Enterprise

This article covers the two SMS delivery setups used in Messages XR Enterprise, including how to identify which setup a district uses, what that means for opt-in and opt-out instructions, and answers to common questions about the transition to 10DLC.

The two SMS setups: An overview

When a district sends SMS messages through Messages XR Enterprise, those messages come from either a short code or a 10-digit long code (10DLC). The setup affects what number families see, and what instructions they need to opt in or out.

• SMS short code: A 5-digit phone number shared by all Finalsite clients. This has been the standard number seen on recipients' devices. Finalsite is phasing out short codes in favor of 10DLC.
• 10-digit long code (10DLC): A dedicated 10-digit phone number assigned to the district. The number will share the same area code as the district or school, making it more recognizable to families. Each district receives at least two numbers: one for emergency communications and one for general outreach.
  • Not yet on a 10DLC? Learn how to get started in the article, "Send SMS/text messages from a 10-digit long code (10DLC) in Messages XR Enterprise."

Identify the district's SMS setup

• Step 1: Go to Reports > Do Not Contact.
• Step 2: Click User opt-out/opt-in instructions.
• Step 3: Read the instructions displayed:
  • Short code: Instructions reference specific numbers like 97178 and 53291.
  • 10DLC: Instructions reference "your dedicated outreach 10DLC number" and "your dedicated emergency 10DLC number" without specifying digits.

Find the district's short code numbers

Short code numbers are the same for all Finalsite clients. No lookup is needed:

• Outreach messages: 97178
• Emergency messages: 53291

These numbers can be shared with families directly.

Find the district's 10DLC numbers

Each district on 10DLC has at least two unique numbers: one for outreach messages and one for emergency messages. Both numbers will share the district's local area code. High-volume districts may have more than two numbers.

There is currently no screen in MXRE that lists 10DLC numbers directly. To find them:

• Go to Create message, type a personal mobile number directly into the TO: recipient field (no contact record needed), and send. The number the message arrives from is the district's outreach 10DLC number.
• Contact Finalsite support to confirm all assigned numbers, especially for high-volume districts.

FAQs

• Why is Finalsite switching from short codes to 10DLC? 10DLC is now the industry standard for school mass communications. Using a number with a local area code enhances credibility and results in fewer opt-outs.
• Can a district choose to stay on short code? No. All clients are being moved to 10DLC.
• How many 10DLC numbers will a district receive? At least two: a minimum of one for emergency communications and one for general outreach. The exact number depends on message volume and recipient size. High-volume districts may receive additional numbers to ensure efficient delivery. Finalsite will provide each district with their specific numbers individually.
• Does each school get its own number? No. Just like shared short codes, 10DLC numbers are shared across all buildings in the district, used based on whether the message is emergency or general outreach.
• Will parents in different regions see different numbers? Yes. Parents may receive messages from different numbers depending on their region. The application handles regional number assignment automatically during district-wide messaging. No action is needed from admins.
• Can the district choose its own numbers? No. Numbers are assigned by Finalsite. They will share the same area code as the district or school.
• Do recipients need to opt in to the new numbers? No. The FCC allows general exemptions for schools regarding opt-ins.
• Do previous short code opt-outs carry over? Yes. Anyone who opted out from a short code will remain opted out on the new 10DLC numbers automatically.
• Does this change affect voice calls? No. The transition to 10DLC applies to SMS/text messaging only. Voice call numbers and caller ID are not affected. 
• Why are separate numbers needed for emergency and outreach? Separate numbers ensure higher throughput during emergencies, allowing critical messages to be sent quickly and efficiently. Using a dedicated emergency number also reduces opt-outs for urgent alerts. 
• Why does a district need an EIN for this process? Federal regulatory compliance for school mass messaging requires 10DLC numbers to be attached to an official Employer Identification Number (EIN). School EINs are public records, so providing this information does not pose a privacy risk.
• How will community members know a message is coming from the district?
  • Notify families of the new numbers before the switch takes effect.
  • Send reminders asking families to save the numbers to their phones.
  • Begin each message with the school or district name followed by a colon (e.g., "Lincoln Elementary:"). This prevents messages from being treated as spam and makes the sender immediately recognizable. Abbreviations are acceptable if familiar to the community.

Where to go next

• Communication templates: Share SMS information with your community: ready-to-copy text for school websites, emails, and newsletters, including transition announcement templates.
• Manage and view data reports: How to use the Do Not Contact report in MXRE.
• Manage your SMS/text message subscriptions: Families-facing article on opting in and out.