District approves purchase of Syntegix mass-notification system using state safety grant
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Summary
Board approved using state safety grant funds to purchase a Syntegix lanyard-style mass notification system for staff; initial year covered by grant, later years to be added to operating budget.
The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board approved the purchase of a Syntegix mass-notification system, to be funded primarily through a state safety and security grant.
Superintendent presented the proposal and described the system as a lanyard-style device that staff can activate to alert school security and administration during emergencies. The superintendent cited a recent school shooting in Georgia as an example where a similar system allowed security and police to respond within minutes.
The procurement will use the district’s safety grant for the initial year; the superintendent said the grant will cover the bulk of the initial fees and that the district plans to add costs for years three through five into the operating budget. The board approved the purchase by unanimous voice vote.
Officer Odom was referenced in the presentation as a source for the Georgia example and system benefits; district staff said the system would issue immediate alerts to security and administrators when activated by staff.
Board members did not request additional vendors during the meeting; the superintendent indicated the grant awarded in 02/2025 would fund year one and that ongoing costs would become part of the district’s operational budget in subsequent years.
