Board weighs optional emergency-response mapping and $16,135 vendor cost tied to state grant

Board members discussed Policy 3241 and a state grant created under LB 1329 that appropriated $525,000 for school emergency response mapping.

Speaker 1 explained that adoption of Policy 3241 is a prerequisite to apply for the state grant and described how the vendor’s mapping product creates a digital floor plan, numbers classrooms to match building signage and uploads maps to public-safety systems. Speaker 1 said the district’s estimated cost from the vendor is $16,135, with the district paying up front and seeking reimbursement if the grant is awarded.

Members raised cybersecurity and access questions. “That’s a lot of information that could be out there on the dark web,” Speaker 8 said, noting concerns about who would hold and access detailed maps of classrooms and student locations. Board members asked which agencies would have access; staff said local police and fire have current plans and that the vendor integrates with Nebraska State Patrol and other public-safety software systems.

Speaker 1 proposed inviting a representative from the mapping company to the October meeting to answer technical and security questions. The board did not adopt the policy at the meeting; staff described the policy as optional but noted adoption is required to be eligible for grant application.