Board hears plan to modernize paging in 15 schools with $800,000 capital funds; lowest compliant bid $791,315.63

District facilities and IT staff presented a proposal on Nov. 3 to modernize aging analog paging systems in Cabarrus County Schools using $800,000 in previously approved capital funds.

Carl Sain explained the plan would replace the head‑end controllers (the "brains" of the intercom system) rather than rip out analog speakers and wiring, allowing the district to retrofit 15 schools and achieve about 95% of full digital functionality at roughly half the cost of a full replacement. The proposal names a Valcom IP‑6000 head‑end retrofit as the technology approach and suggests the work could be completed across the district in roughly a three‑year cycle rather than the previously projected five years.

An RFP issued in September produced bids received in mid‑October. "K and C Technologies came in with the lowest bid at $791,315.63," staff told the board, and that vendor also scored highest on the district's evaluation matrix covering cost, technical sufficiency, vendor experience and support. Staff noted that KNC currently supports the district's existing paging system.

Board members asked which items were excluded from the bid and whether omitted parts could push the total above the approved capital allocation. Staff said installation and labor are covered with a one‑year warranty, parts are warrantied by the manufacturer, and they would follow up with more detail on excluded line items at the business session. The selection of the 15 schools reflected sites with the most intercom failures or reliability issues, staff said.

Because board members requested more information about excluded components and the scope, the board asked staff to put the paging recommendation on the action agenda for next week's business session rather than on consent.

Next steps: staff will return with a more detailed scope‑of‑work and a proposed contract for board consideration at the business meeting.