Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School district outlines $552,100 security upgrade; expects up to $500,000 SBA reimbursement
Summary
District staff described a $552,100 intercom/PA replacement across four elementary schools; the Rhode Island Department of Education/School Building Authority will reimburse up to $500,000 (estimated reimbursed amount ≈ $237,000 at current rate), leaving roughly $315,100 from local capital funds; completion and reimbursement must occur by Sept. 30, 2025.
The school committee heard a security funding memorandum from the district finance/operations team outlining a $552,100 project to replace intercom and PA systems at four elementary schools. "We received up to a reimbursement of $500,000 from the Rhode Island Department of Education, School Building Authority," the presenter said, noting the current reimbursement rate and an estimated reimbursed amount of roughly $237,000 under that rate.
District staff said the balance (approximately $315,100) would be covered from the soon‑to‑be established city capital revolving fund. The vendor proposed for the work is on the state bid list and has performed prior security work in the district. Staff reported an SB A deadline of Sept. 30, 2025 for project completion and reimbursement claims and outlined an implementation plan that includes enabling cabling during school breaks and speaker installation in the summer to avoid daytime disruption.
Committee members asked about whether the software was proprietary and what schools were prioritized; staff confirmed the platform is Singlewire and that White Neck, Orlo (Orlow/Orlo/"Orlow" in packet), Silver Spring and Myron J. Francis were selected as highest priority because of their dated systems. Staff said the long‑term plan is to standardize the platform across other schools as funding allows.
