Region 15 reviews new school safety tech, training and grant-funded upgrades

Regional School District 15 leaders on April 28 described a multi-year effort to upgrade school safety systems, increase staff communications during incidents and expand training for security personnel and first responders.

Superintendent Smith introduced the presentation and turned the briefing over to Mr. McKean and Mr. Martino, who walked the board through recent work: a staff-only emergency app (Rave), upgrades to the district phone and public-address systems, new exterior doors and card access, expanded camera coverage (Evigilon), bus GPS and cameras, and recurring staff training and background checks.

Why it matters: district staff said the upgrades are intended to speed staff-to-staff communication during medical or security incidents, give administrators better situational awareness and improve coordination with local police and emergency management while preserving clarity about parent-facing communications.

The presentation and board Q&A District staff described the Rave application as a geo‑fenced, staff-only tool that allows two‑way messaging and a set of “panic” options that, when used inside a school’s geofence, generate an internal alert stream; if pushed from outside the geofence the app triggers a 911 call. Staff said the district will roll the app out to employees soon and that staff use is opt-in. The district also plans to move away from its current parent notification system (SchoolMessenger) to a new communications tool that will allow targeted phone, text and email groups for teams and activities.

Officials noted other upgrades already completed or in progress: a near-complete replacement of high-school PA equipment to a digital system that ties to the fire panel and can play preloaded audio files; new tablets and a cloud card-access system at selected exterior doors; expanded use of the Evigilon camera platform at multiple schools; replacement of window film in key locations; bus GPS and camera systems (with onboard audio); and refreshed walkie-talkie radios with a police-connect feature.

Funding and grants District presenters said part of the camera and security work has been paid with school security grant funds; they referenced a grant figure of $188,000 covering six schools and said other work is supported from operating or capital budgets. Presenters did not provide a full budget breakdown for all items presented and said some work is being staged over several years.

Training, operations and human factors Staff reiterated that all employees and volunteers undergo background checks through the district system; hired employees receive fingerprint-based clearances. The district also described recurring training and drills (lockdown, evacuation) and noted the presence of a district “rover” law-enforcement function covering multiple middle schools as well as local school resource officers. Steve Schnell was identified in the presentation as the district’s emergency manager; presenters said Schnell coordinates drills and files state-required security plans.

Board concerns and clarifications Board members pressed on device security and substitutes. Mr. Bertino asked how the app prevents accidental activation; presenters said the panic options require a sustained press and that use outside of a geofence triggers 911 rather than a district lockdown. Board members asked how the district prevents unauthorized users from triggering alerts if they obtain a logged‑in phone; presenters said user lists will be automated from HR, that multi‑factor authentication options are available, and that the district will provide alternatives for staff who decline to install staff-facing apps on personal phones. Several members asked about substitutes and short‑term permit holders: presenters said some emergency functions will remain available via classroom phones and established building protocols while app-based features may be reserved for staff who are regularly assigned to a building.

Implementation timeline and next steps District staff said they expect to finalize the staff app rollout “within days” for staff previews and that full parent‑facing communications changes will be phased in next year. Additional camera and PA upgrades will be staged through spring and summer work windows; some equipment installations were tied to recent school safety grant awards and to an ongoing capital refresh schedule.

Ending: District leaders said the work is continuing and invited board members to follow up with administration as the district rolls out training, refines authentication and documents substitute and volunteer protocols.