Board approves emergency replacement of Grogan Elementary fire alarm panel

The Southgate Community School District Board of Education approved an emergency purchase and installation of a new fire alarm panel for Grogan Elementary, board members said during the meeting.

District staff told the board that technicians from FSX Technologies responded to Grogan and determined the school’s panel was failing; while FSS Technologies, the district’s fire-alarm provider, confirmed the panel was beyond repair and replacement parts were no longer available. The district recommended approving a $12,194 purchase, including installation, testing and warranty, and said the work would include around 24 hours of on-site installation and testing.

The recommendation noted the failed panel was roughly 20 to 25 years old. While the panel was inoperable, staff said the district instituted a fire watch “per state law,” assigning an extra person on site during the school day to walk classrooms, keep a log and monitor safety until the new panel is installed.

Dr. Pomponio made the motion to approve the emergency purchase, supported by Mr. Sage; the board approved the item by voice vote.

Board members asked whether other buildings in the district had similar, older panels. Staff said many panels have been upgraded through a bond program over the past five years, but this panel was among the oldest. Staff also said FSS Technologies conducts annual inspections on alarm systems and will review remaining panels during the summer and provide recommendations for any additional replacements.

The district’s presentation to the board included the vendor quote and an explanation of why an emergency replacement was necessary. The board did not set additional conditions or a separate funding source during the meeting.