Forsyth Schools narrows RFPs for mobile alert system to meet state deadline

Forsyth County Schools staff told the board on Oct. 14 that they have completed an initial review of six responses to a request for proposals for a mobile alert/panic system required under state law and will narrow finalists for interviews and site visits.

Todd Shirley said the system must provide mobile alerting — for example a badge or device an employee could use to summon help — and mapping to locate where an alarm originated inside a building. He said staff will screen vendors in the next two weeks and expects to present a procurement recommendation to the board in November.

Mike Evans and others noted that the district has been researching systems for more than a year, has worked with neighboring counties and will verify vendor compliance with functional and technical standards. Shirley and staff cited the statutory compliance deadline, telling the board: "July 07/01/2026 is when everything has to be activated." Board members commended the team's due diligence and testing of pilot technologies.

Staff said the procurement schedule may include interviews, demonstrations and site visits before a contract recommendation is presented to the board.