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District to deploy SaferWatch panic system under grant; staff training underway
Summary
Sheridan SD 48J will implement SaferWatch wireless panic alarms using grant funds; teachers will activate through phones within a district geofence and YCOM will be notified, district staff said.
The district will deploy a SaferWatch wireless panic alarm system purchased through an Oregon Department of Education grant to provide teachers and staff with a rapid alert capability.
Facilities staff explained the SaferWatch system allows teachers to trigger an alarm via a mobile app when they are on district property; activation notifies YCOM and gives approximate staff location so in-house response and first responders can be directed. "The teachers will have the ability ... to hit the wireless panic alarm, which will notify the Y Comm," Sean said during the facilities report.
Administrators have begun training; staff were advised that the system is geofenced to district property so accidental activations off-site are avoided. The district's trainer cautioned staff not to hold the button too long because doing so could generate a direct emergency dispatch.
District staff emphasized they will use grant funds for start-up costs and noted concerns about ongoing subscription fees after the grant period; they said startup was feasible under current grant terms but the board will need to address long-term subscription costs later.
Staff reported testing and initial admin training has begun; full staff rollout and integration with YCOM and local response protocols will continue in the weeks ahead.
