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Board reports lockdown drill and new notification system worked; administrators got instant alerts

Echo SD 5 School Board · October 22, 2025

Summary

Board members said a recent lockdown drill using a new intercom/notification system delivered clear repeated instructions and that administrators received phone alerts, improving incident notification and response options.

Board members reported on a recent lockdown practice that used a newly installed intercom and notification system. Board member (S6) said the system repeated the lockdown message until staff acknowledged it and that administrators received phone notifications. "Everybody that I talked to heard it, and it just repeats itself over and over and over until you go back and hit stop," S6 said; board members described the drill as "a little eerie" but effective.

The superintendent said the system can notify specified administrators via phone and that staff can trigger lockdowns remotely. The district is refining use cases for the system (lockdown vs. fire drill vs. hold-in-place) and adding lights and strobes in the gym and shop to provide a visual cue in loud conditions.

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