Bermudian Springs board hears emergency-mapping demo from Critical Response Group, agrees to continue contract talks

A vendor demonstration of school emergency maps and a multi-agency access plan drew support from the Bermudian Springs School District board on the evening of the district caucus.

Dr. Myers introduced Zach Query of Critical Response Group, who said the firm overlays corrected floor plans on current satellite imagery and applies a simple grid—“like a game of Battleship”—to let responders and school staff communicate locations quickly during critical incidents. “My name is Zach Query. I’m one of the regional directors at Critical Response Group,” he said, adding CRG has produced maps for thousands of schools nationwide.

Why it matters: Administrators and local responders said up-to-date, commonly oriented maps can reduce confusion in an emergency, particularly when multiple jurisdictions respond. Query told the board CRG integrates the maps into call‑handling and dispatch systems so a 9‑1‑1 call can automatically display internal location details to responders.

The presentation covered three recurring problems with school blueprints: inconsistent north orientation, cumulative physical changes over decades that make drawings inaccurate, and inconsistent room and exterior area names that complicate responder directions. Query said CRG walks each building to confirm doors, walls and room labels, then overlays a Battleship-style grid to make short, unambiguous directions possible: “If you park your vehicle in grid square J‑3…walk down the sidewalk through door D…make your first right into the media center.”

Board members asked about updates and long‑term costs. Query said CRG includes unlimited updates for the first 12 months at no extra cost and offers an optional maintenance program of about $500 a year for quarterly check‑ins and version control that ensures schools and public‑safety partners operate from the same map versions. “We do offer an optional implementation and maintenance program. It costs about $500 a year,” he said.

Lieutenant Haynes, invited as a local responder, urged multi‑agency buy‑in: the maps are useful only if police, fire and EMS have access. Board members and administrators said they saw operational value and discussed funding. Dr. Myers told the board he and the vendor could continue discussions and look into using Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) funds to cover the cost if the board wanted to pursue a contract. The board signaled consensus to keep conversations going; no contract vote was taken at the caucus.

What’s next: Dr. Myers said staff will pursue follow‑up conversations and, if appropriate, bring a contract for board approval. Any formal procurement would return to a future meeting with a funding recommendation.