Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District rolls out Syntegix panic alerts; board orders pricing for phased weapons-detection purchase
Summary
The district reported full deployment of the Syntegix panic-alert system and approved a motion to obtain pricing for a phased purchase of Open Gate weapons-detection units for high schools, middle schools, the career center and Oconee Academy.
District technology and safety staff reported that the Syntegix panic-alert system is operational in all buildings and described successful law-enforcement drills demonstrating rapid location pinpointing. Technology staff said the district used capital funds and vendor credit (for an existing IdentiKid relationship) to pay most of the Syntegix contract and that ongoing annual software costs will be budgeted.
Chief technology and safety staff said the panic-alert badge and code features have already been used to summon administrators, nurses and SROs for student medical incidents and that law enforcement was pleased with drill results that showed dispatch receiving room-level locations in seconds.
Separately, the board heard results of a district safety survey and discussed weapons-detection options. Staff recommended Open Gate's mobile screening devices because they are battery powered and can be moved between events and buildings. Staff provided a vendor estimate of approximately $20,000 per device (including batteries, stands and training) and said retrofitting PA systems to integrate with state-mandated mobile panic alerts had already been estimated at roughly $600,000 for the district.
Board members instructed the administration to pursue pricing for a phased deployment focused on high schools, middle schools, the Career and Technology Center and Oconee Academy; the board directed staff to return with official pricing for the proposed phase 1 package. The motion passed (vote recorded 5-0).
Administrators noted potential grant or state reimbursement sources but cautioned that timing and grant amounts were uncertain. Staff also explained training and deployment timelines (roughly a six-week vendor lead time) and recommended coordination with law enforcement and the district's security coordinator for on-site implementation.
