The Forest Hills Board of Education is making significant strides toward enhancing school safety and communication with a major upgrade to its public address and clock systems across the district. During the Regular Board of Education Meeting on October 16, 2023, officials highlighted the urgent need for this update, noting that many existing systems are over 20 years old and increasingly difficult to maintain.

The proposed upgrade involves the installation of the Carehawk 2000 system, which has already been successfully implemented at Orchard View. This new system will provide a comprehensive mass notification capability, allowing for synchronized alerts that can be seen and heard throughout the buildings. Key features include visual displays, tones, voice messages, and a mobile app that enables authorized users to send alerts remotely—an essential tool for emergency situations.

The board also discussed the importance of a recent bond proposal aimed at funding various improvements across the district. Community members can find detailed information about the proposed enhancements on the school’s website and through a special edition of the Focus newsletter being mailed out. Posters at each school outline specific improvements funded by the bond, emphasizing the critical nature of community support for the initiative.

In addition to these discussions, the board provided a budget update, indicating that no significant changes are expected in the near term, with a budget amendment anticipated in early 2024 to reflect recent developments.

As the district moves forward with these initiatives, officials are urging community members to vote in favor of the bond, underscoring its importance for the future of Forest Hills schools.