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Millington board approves $129,811 radio system to improve districtwide emergency communications
Summary
The Millington Municipal Schools Board approved purchase of a districtwide two‑way trunking radio system from Integrated Communications Inc. for $129,811 under a Tennessee statewide contract. Board members amended the item to clarify that funding had been identified in the budget; the final motion passed with one dissent.
The Millington Municipal Schools Board of Education voted to buy a districtwide two‑way trunking radio system from Integrated Communications Inc. at an estimated cost of $129,811 under Tennessee statewide contract 424. The board amended the item on the floor to state that funding has been identified in the budget before voting on the purchase; the final vote passed with one member dissenting.
District operations staff told the board the system will include a repeater sited at the football stadium, offer redundant coverage and a service radius of roughly 8–10 nautical miles from the repeater. Staff said the purchase includes approximately 80 radios with optional earpieces and hand microphones, a five‑year warranty, and that radios and channels can be assigned at each school by building administration. Delivery was estimated at eight to 12 weeks after order; staff said user training could be completed in one day once equipment arrives and protocols are finalized.
Board members asked about funding and ongoing allocation. Finance staff said savings from a prior contract for All Memphis costs, paid from federal carryover, created available dollars that could be shifted to cover the radios; the board then voted to amend the motion to state that funding was identified in the budget. The amendment carried unanimously; the amended purchase motion carried with one no vote (Theresa Cook).
Supporters described the purchase as an effort to replace a mix of consumer two‑way radios and older equipment now in use and to improve communications during off‑campus events and emergencies. Board discussion included confirmation that the system is a purpose‑built trunking solution (not a consumer device) and that local administrators will determine radio distribution and training for their buildings.
The board’s vote authorizes procurement under the statewide contract; staff will return to confirm deployment schedule and implementation details.
