District to pilot Navigate360 badge system, including geo-locating extenders; grant funding cited as possible support

District administrators told the board they plan to implement a multi-phase safety system using Navigate360 Protect-style badges and supporting infrastructure that would allow staff to trigger tiered alerts and, in an active-threat mode, notify first responders and provide a location where the device was activated.

Administrators described a three-tier badge model: a single press for a low-level assistance alert, a second press for a higher-level response addressing larger disruptions, and a sustained press to trigger an active-threat protocol that would send districtwide communications and reach first responders and emergency medical services. The system would include interior equipment and exterior "extenders" to extend the badge signal beyond building footprints; district staff said extenders may require additional Wi‑Fi infrastructure to be effective in township and stadium areas.

At the meeting staff referenced a prior statement from the Department of Education and Workforce that, if related legislation passes, the department had approximately $25,000,000 to disperse to districts for this kind of initiative; presenters made clear that the funds are not guaranteed and depend on legislative action and departmental follow-through. The district said part of the package includes device purchases, professional development, installation and building equipment.

Officials said the program will be pursued in phases, starting with device procurement and building installations and continuing with an assessment of extenders to determine where additional Wi‑Fi will be required. The board was advised that the plan aims to strengthen communication and incident response, and staff said they would pursue grant opportunities while recognizing the uncertain nature of external funding.