Ellsworth board authorizes $688K lease to replace aging intercoms, adds panic‑button badges

The school board approved two resolutions that together authorized a lease‑purchase and vendor authorization for a districtwide intercom and communication safety equipment system. The motion language read to authorize a lease‑purchase of approximately $688,193.22 to acquire the intercom and related installation; the board voted in favor.

Administration said the system is a safety priority because the existing intercoms are antiquated and failing. Staff described panic‑button badges that can be used to summon administration and, in more serious cases, law enforcement. An administrator demonstrated how repeated presses escalate the alert: "I press it once or twice… all the way up to, you know, I have a violent critical incident. I press it eight times. Now, the police are involved immediately," the administrator said.

Project logistics were discussed: Bloom (vendor) will begin installation at Ellsworth Middle School on Aug. 17 with a week‑long priority push so staff can train during opening professional‑development days. The vendor will then move through the remaining buildings, with multi‑shift work to limit disruption. Administration emphasized the cellular capability of badges so they function off campus and when Wi‑Fi is unavailable.