District implements Raptor emergency system, replaces end‑of‑life switches and rolls out devices; tech department reports 1,000+ tickets

The Grayslake District 46 technology team reported on Sept. 3 that it completed multiple summer tasks to support safety and classroom technology, including a district‑wide rollout of devices, network upgrades and implementation of a new emergency and dismissal management system.

A technology staff member said the team replaced the last of the district’s end‑of‑life network switches, using the final funds from the 2024–25 E‑Rate cycle to replace 18 switches. The department also prepared and swapped devices for staff and students (about 150 staff visited the ISC for device support), and the team said teachers reported improved device speed after the refresh.

As part of referendum‑related safety work, the district implemented the Raptor emergency management system this summer, installing gateways and beacons and issuing emergency badges to staff. The presenter said schools have already used the system during drills and that Raptor is “working.” The district also implemented a dismissal management tool (described as replacing Driveline) called Dismissal Safe for K–4 and Park Campus pickup procedures.

The tech team introduced Incident IQ as a new ticketing and inventory system shared with operations and maintenance; the presenter said the district completed an inventory check and that the system recorded over 1,000 tickets in the first two weeks after startup. The presenter said the ticket volume is typical for the start of the school year and that staff feedback on the new systems has been positive.

No board action was taken; the presentation was informational.