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Williamston board hears plan to replace aging high-school fire-alarm panel after repeated malfunctions
Summary
District staff recommended replacing a malfunctioning high-school fire-alarm panel this summer; the panel still works for an actual fire but causes frequent false alarms and technician visits, and bids varied widely with district recommending the lowest bidder after post-bid interviews.
Williamston Community Schools staff told the board that the high school’s fire-alarm control panel needs full replacement after repeated malfunctions that have led to false alarms and repeated repair visits.
Superintendent Adam described the panel as “in dire need of replacement” but said the system would still operate in the event of a fire. Brandon, the district’s maintenance and custodial director, said technicians had been called repeatedly to address the malfunctions and that the panel’s frequent failures have disrupted mornings and student arrivals on multiple occasions.
District staff explained they had run a competitive bidding process with a wide range of financial proposals and recommended the lowest bidder. Brandon conducted post-bid interviews and said he was comfortable with the recommended vendor based on references. The district plans to continue using Boykin as the maintenance team after the new system is installed, pending board approval of the contract.
Administrators said the cost was substantial and that the district used a two-year saving plan from its sinking fund to accumulate the needed resources. The board did not take final action at the meeting; the recommendation will return for approval at a future meeting.
A board member noted the panel is audible in public areas, describing intermittent alarms at the fitness center entrance; administrators said the panel’s noise amplifies the disruption when it malfunctions.
