Committee approves Phase 4 sales tax reallocations to convert Angel Oak and fund security upgrades including mobile panic buttons

The Audit & Finance Committee approved a reallocation of Phase 4 sales tax funds to several capital and technology priorities, including converting Angel Oak (Angelo Crestrom) for pre‑K through second grade classroom space as part of the Johns Island Elementary opening, athletics improvements at Johns Island High School and technology infrastructure upgrades.

Staff described the reallocation as spanning capital projects and the technology budget. "The primary intent behind the reallocation is to provide additional funding for the Angelo Crestrom conversion, as we work to get that school converted over the summer for its PK through second grade use as part of the new Johns Island Elementary School opening," Mr. Prentice said. Facilities staff explained the conversion will include converting former classroom bathrooms used as storage back into restrooms.

A major districtwide item funded through the reallocation is a new mobile panic‑button solution for staff. Facilities and IT staff said the chosen solution includes a lanyard button that alerts the front office and 911. "There's been an exhaustive research done by security, Mr. Reidenbach's team, as well as Mr. Buckheister and IT to come up with the best solution," a district staff member said. The committee asked about recurring costs and staff said there will be an annual fee primarily to refresh badges; staff estimated that recurring cost at roughly $700,000 per year and said the first‑year installation and badge costs are included in the $1.6 million technology line item.

Trustees asked whether the student devices and computer lab refreshes in the reallocation were districtwide; staff said device refreshes described in the request were for CTE computer labs and regional Center for Advanced Studies computer labs (West Ashley, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant) and that the panic system installation will be districtwide.

Committee members also reviewed the Phase 4 sales tax reserve balance. Staff reported a remaining unallocated Phase 4 balance in the multi‑million dollar range and said they expected to allocate the balance within the coming year as projects obligate funds. The reallocation passed on a voice vote.

Next steps: staff will proceed with project work for the Angel Oak conversion, begin procurement for the panic‑button system and include the recurring badge renewal costs in future capital maintenance budgets.