Board approves Cintix safety badging and Wi‑Fi 7 network upgrade; funding via TORT and E‑rate discussed

The Galesburg CUSD 205 board on May 11, 2026 approved two major infrastructure projects: a five‑year agreement with Cintix for a safety and visitor‑management platform and a districtwide upgrade of wireless network infrastructure to Wi‑Fi 7.

Board discussion of the Cintix system described badge‑based alerting that can route an active alert directly to emergency‑services Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) screens before a 911 call is placed, geolocator strobes for outdoor athletic venues, and a reunification platform integrated with the district’s Skyward student information system for offsite evacuations. Presenters said the system would be installed this summer and paid from the TORT fund; they emphasized use cases beyond active‑threat response, such as medical emergencies, and noted short training time for staff.

Separately, Mr. Elliott presented a technology infrastructure plan to migrate the district’s network to Wi‑Fi 7 access points, upgraded switches, outdoor hardware, fiber cabling and five‑year subscriptions for management. He said the district intends to use available E‑rate funds for much of the cost and that bundling projects would improve vendor discounts and reduce labor expense. Staff noted that E‑rate reimbursement typically follows claim submittal (staff estimated roughly 60–90 days based on past experience) and that some non‑E‑rate‑eligible locations (for example, certain vocational classrooms) would need non‑E‑rate funding.

The board also reviewed insurance renewals: property and casualty premium rates rose about 4% (to roughly $576,000) while workers’ compensation rose approximately 9% (to about $412,252); staff said they will investigate cost‑containment strategies, including whether self‑funding work comp would be beneficial.

All items proceeded with board approval. Staff will begin summer installations and will return with implementation updates and schedule coordination.