At the Feb. 20 board meeting, the Technology Services Division presented a request to purchase classroom audio and safety equipment from Audio Enhancement and the board voted to authorize a purchase order not to exceed $942,797.65, funded from 20 21 East Plus.

Kevin Adams (Technology Services) told the board the contract includes classroom microphones, staff safety badges and related infrastructure and that each classroom will receive equipment. Adams said the Audio Enhancement vendor also provides video components: each classroom has a camera and the front office will be able to view a classroom when a teacher pushes an alert button. He clarified that the district retains access to safety video recordings after an alert is activated and that the safety feed is not continually monitored but can be viewed when needed.

Board members asked questions about the scope and funding. Doctor Fickling confirmed this purchase would cover every classroom and asked whether video accompanies the audio equipment; Adams said yes, the safety feed and classroom cameras are part of the overall system and the front office gains a view only when an alert is pushed. Doctor Morton asked about pending state legislation to allow staff to initiate building lockdowns; Adams said the devices have a lockdown/alert feature that would allow staff to initiate a building lockdown if such a requirement is enacted.

The motion to approve the purchase order was moved by Doctor Garrett Boyd, seconded by Doctor Fickling; the motion passed unanimously and the item was placed on the consent agenda.