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Committee previews switch to S2-based access control; presenter estimates about $62,000 upfront
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Summary
A Safe Schools presenter told the Cheltenham SD facilities committee that the district’s Paxton access-control system is at end of life and that a web-based S2 (NetBox) platform delivered by I2 Solutions could integrate with existing video and alarm systems; the presenter estimated roughly $62,000 in startup costs and recommended a maintenance contract. Board members raised privacy and implementation questions.
Chair Caroline Watts convened the Cheltenham SD Facilities Committee and asked if the presenter was ready; Mr. Carter, representing Safe Schools, described a vendor review of the district’s access-control systems and recommended migrating away from the Paxton system, which he said is “at end of life” and not being upgraded by its vendor.
Mr. Carter said the district examined a proposal from I2 Solutions to implement an S2 (NetBox) web-based access-control platform that can integrate with existing video and alarm systems and with human-resources workflows. “Basically, what that means is what we already have, they’ll be able to integrate,” he said, adding that the platform can limit access by time, provide real-time logs and video pop-ups, and allow principals or the superintendent to remotely lock buildings from a phone.
On cost, Mr. Carter said the rough upfront figure to get the system installed and configured is “roughly around 62,000 to get started,” and he recommended establishing an ongoing service relationship so the district has a responsive vendor for troubleshooting and upgrades.
Board members asked about peer adoption and vendor alternatives. Mr. Carter said the district had reached out to other schools and that many are using S2-based systems; he also said I2 Solutions is one implementation partner among several that could be considered.
A committee member raised a contract-language and privacy concern, urging staff to avoid clauses that could allow district video or access data to be used for external training or surveillance purposes. The committee discussed timing and implementation; Mr. Carter recommended planning the migration over the summer with a goal of starting the next school year with the new system in place, and he said much of the district’s existing hardware could be reused though some upgrades might still be required.
Next steps: the committee asked staff to include privacy protections and service-level language in any draft contract and to return with a recommended contract and procurement path for formal board action.
