Scobey board approves three-year maintenance contract for fire alarm, bell and clock system after debate

The Scobey K-12 Schools board voted to enter a three-year contract with Convergent for annual maintenance of the district's fire alarm, bell and clock system at $4,950 per year after extended discussion about earlier service gaps.

Superintendent (S2) outlined a history of monitoring problems after the district's original provider was acquired, saying the district had experienced alarms and unreliable monitoring and that an outside contractor performed an inspection to placate the fire marshal. "Convergent for the annual inspection is 4,950, and they're blown away on how he can charge so little," the superintendent said, contrasting Convergent's price to a local independent technician.

Board members pressed for detail on what the Convergent contract covers and on alternatives. S2 said a local provider (referred to in the transcript as Jeremy) had quoted roughly $45 a month for monitoring plus about $6.95 for an annual inspection, and raised concerns that the lower-cost contractor might not deliver a written, in-depth annual inspection report. One board member said Convergent had "dropped the ball" during earlier transitions after an acquisition, and another questioned whether the district could sign a one-year agreement instead of three.

Board member (S3) moved to enter a three-year contract with Convergent for annual maintenance of the fire alarm, bell and clock system in the amount of $4,950 per year; the motion carried after discussion and recorded voices for and against. The motion did not specify a roll-call breakdown in the transcript.

The board also discussed practical considerations if alarms recur and whether maintenance calls beyond the annual inspection would be billed separately; S2 noted Convergent had spent multiple days on site restoring functionality and could remotely access the system for troubleshooting. Several trustees asked staff to revisit contract length or seek a one-year option if feasible.

Next steps: the district will proceed under the Convergent contract as approved; trustees requested follow-up about whether a one-year alternative or additional reporting could be negotiated in future months.