The Scranton School Board approved several operations and safety items at its Dec. 15 meeting, including electrical work at outdoor lighting poles, generator maintenance with load bank testing, and a districtwide radio communications solution.

Board approved technology and electrical work to install step‑down transformers at light poles with a stated financial impact of $8,340. Members then considered a generator contract to service district generators and perform load bank testing for the Scranton High generator; the contract included load bank testing priced at $1,275 and a not‑to‑exceed general contract amount (presenter gave a district aggregate cap), with a maximum total impact stated as $6,275 for the specific items presented. Presenters explained a generator failed to start during a power outage this year and emphasized the need for regular maintenance and testing.

The Department of Safety and Security asked the board to approve a T‑Mobile Direct Connect radio communication solution to enhance emergency communications across aging buildings where cell coverage and repeaters have proved unreliable. The purchase included a recurring monthly cost (devices and service lines) of $3,215.60 and a one‑time accessories cost of $10,582.72 to be funded from the Safety & Security budget. Administrators said the system had been tested and would improve districtwide connectivity during emergencies.

Board questions focused on technical details of load bank testing and whether the new radio system would solve reported coverage gaps; administration and technical staff described load bank testing as simulated live‑load testing of generators and confirmed prior instances where generators failed to engage. The motions passed by recorded roll calls.

Staff will proceed with contract execution and scheduling for maintenance and radio implementation per the approved funding sources.