Board approves renewal of Raptor badge alert system for up to $189,059.50

The Berkeley County Board of Education voted July 20 to approve renewal of the Raptor badge alert system for the 2026–27 school year, after hearing a presentation on system performance and cost.

Executive Director of People Services Dr. Ron Branch said the district rolled out the badge system last year and is seeking renewal and expansion for the coming year. "We're here this evening to ask for a renewal of our Raptor, emergency response system," Branch said. He told the board the recommendation reflects stakeholder feedback and negotiated pricing.

The director of school safety, Dean O'Lack, described Raptor as "an emergency alert system" that supports two response levels: a three-press for localized assistance and a seven-press that will trigger lockdown and wider notifications. O'Lack gave usage figures from the first year: 2,789 badges distributed, 2,181 beacons installed, 118 gateways deployed and 2,241 tests conducted across the district.

Board members asked about false activations, reaction times and whether the system augments--rather than replaces--calling 911. O'Lack said the badge is "an extra layer" that can be used when staff cannot reach a phone or cannot verbally communicate. Branch and safety staff explained training steps taken to reduce accidental seven-button presses, including badge covers and hands-on practice, and said false lockdown activations dropped after targeted interventions.

Branch presented contract figures and the recommendation to approve the renewal for an amount not to exceed $189,059.50. He told the board the original board agenda listed a higher number but negotiations reduced the recommended ceiling.

Several members asked about mapping integration with emergency responders and the potential to extend the system to transportation. Branch said mapping work has been vetted with 911 partners and that transportation is part of ongoing exploration with the district's routing vendors.

After discussion and questions, a motion to approve the renewal passed by voice vote.

The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public transcript; the record states the motion "passes." The administration said the district will continue training and close monitoring of accidental activations while working with the vendor to refine performance.

Next steps: the district will implement the contracted renewal for the 2026–27 school year, continue coordination with local 911 centers and report on any implementation issues to the board.