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Board approves $2.55 million districtwide PA upgrade, citing safety and accessibility
Summary
The board approved a roughly $2.55 million contract with AMCOM for Atlas IED PA systems and associated components at nearly all district K-12 buildings; trustees discussed technology lifecycle, licensing and the systems' role in accessibility and emergency notification.
The Waterford School Board approved a purchase of new public-address and emergency communication systems for district buildings and said the project combines accessibility and security upgrades.
Treasurer Donahue presented Superintendent's recommendation 50-24-25 to award AMCOM for the Atlas IED system at K-12 buildings, at a contract amount of $2,548,992.70, funded by the 2020 bond. The award covers multiple elementary schools, both middle schools, district high schools and Kingsley Montgomery School. The board packet excluded Stepanski from the purchase because Stepanski recently installed a functioning system.
District staff said the new systems include visual strobes and other features that support students and staff with hearing impairments and enhance emergency messaging. "This is a really big deal for anybody that might have hearing difficulties," Member McCreagher said, describing visible alerts and modernized notification functions.
Board members asked about vendor selection; staff said the committee reviewed three products and stakeholders favored Atlas IED for functionality and usability. Staff noted the purchase includes licensing (seven-year licensing referenced in discussion), a warranty, and that some components (speakers and visual devices) are movable between buildings if future facilities decisions require relocation, while wiring would remain fixed.
A trustee raised concern about the technology lifecycle and the cost of licensing, noting the district will need to plan for future upgrades. District staff said installers and the site contractor will complete necessary wiring and that all buildings except Stepanski are included now, with Stepanski to be considered if state legislation changes requirements.
The board approved the recommendation by roll-call vote, six in favor and one opposed.
Ending
District staff said they will coordinate installation scheduling and provide follow-up reporting on warranties and lifecycle planning as part of capital project oversight.
