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Board accepts $303,581 bid to install swipe-card access at Smoky Mountain Elementary and Scotts Creek
Summary
The board accepted a low bid from Paramount Securities Consultants to install electronic access-control systems at two schools, using a mix of remaining COPS grant money and local capital funds; district IT staff will maintain the systems.
The Jackson County Public Schools Board of Education accepted a low bid of $303,581.34 from Paramount Securities Consultants to install swipe-card access control systems at Smoky Mountain Elementary School with Scotts Creek School included as an alternate.
Jake Buchanan presented the project and told the board the district's long-term goal is swipe-card access on classroom doors and regularly used exterior doors. The bid covers both schools and lists a 30–45 day completion window from notice to proceed. Buchanan said the district plans to finish the project using remaining funds from a previous COPS grant and local capital funds; he also said the district hopes to secure additional school safety grant funding this fall to help complete remaining buildings.
Board members asked about ongoing maintenance and emergency access. Buchanan said the district's IT team — led in the discussion by a staff member identified as Greg — will manage the system and most maintenance requests, noting the work involves both technology and hardware. The district's certified locksmith, identified as Gavin, will continue to address physical hardware needs. On emergency access, Buchanan said the system is designed so that necessary personnel can get through doors even if the power or internet is down; he added the district will discuss more operational details in closed session where allowed by statute.
Buchanan outlined remaining access-control work after these two projects: Smoky Mountain High School, the Community School, and two buildings on the Fairview campus. He asked the board to accept the Paramount bid; the board approved the acceptance and award by voice vote.
Clarifying details from the presentation: the accepted low bid was $303,581.34; the contractor's estimated completion window is 30–45 days after notice to proceed; funding will come from the final portion of a prior COPS grant plus local capital funds; future grant cycles may provide additional funds.
The board's approval authorizes staff to proceed with contracting and scheduling the installations.
