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Board approves new door access-control system despite budget timing debate
Summary
The Fall River School Board approved a districtwide door access-control contract after a lengthy debate about cost, timing and whether to wait for final bids. Supporters said the wireless system will let administrators grant and revoke access remotely; one member called it a "want" rather than a necessity.
The Fall River School Board voted to award a door access-control contract after hearing staff describe a two-wave modernization plan for exterior, recreation and interior doors.
Supporters said the wireless system will replace traditional keys and permit remote, per-door credentialing that can be revoked instantly. "That credential we can remove and revoke anytime we want. I can do it remotely," said Jake, the district technology/facilities staff member who described the vendor's wireless controller that lowers per-door hardware costs and allows phone-based credentials.
Administrators framed the work as part of the capital referendum projects and said some portions could be paid from the recreation fund (fund 80) rather than the capital allocation. Treasurer and facilities staff told the board the option they presented could come in about $26,000 under earlier estimates for that scope; staff also emphasized interoperability with the planned front-entry remodel so early installations would not be wasted.
Some board members urged caution. "This is not a necessity, this is a want," said Kenny, who pushed to wait for a clearer budget picture and the monthly spreadsheet of line items the board requested. Opponents worried that delaying could increase costs when vendor prices rise.
The board debated whether to act now and lock in current pricing or wait for complete bid totals from Findorff and other contractors. Administration said components installed over the winter could be reused with the later front-entrance work.
A motion to award the access-control contract to the presented vendor was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; a nay was recorded. The district's facilities and technology staff will coordinate the installation schedule with the larger Findorff-managed addition project and post details to the board when available.
What happens next: administration will finalize vendor contracts, schedule winter installation when school activity is low, and provide the board the requested monthly spreadsheet showing bid line items and variance explanations.
