Northern Valley board approves new classroom phone system, cites lower cost and intercom upgrades

The Northern Valley USD 212 Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 14 to purchase a new phone and intercom system that district leaders said would put devices in each classroom and add intercom capability while reducing ongoing costs compared with the district's current contract. "I recommend the board approve the purchase of the new phone system," Superintendent Ken Tharman said during the meeting; the motion by Christopher Rogers, seconded by Steven Whitney, carried 7–0.

District documents included in the meeting packet show a hardware estimate that lists reception phones, mid-level and basic classroom phones, and PoE switches with a Total Hardware line of $6,540.00 and various managed‑PBX plan options with one‑time and monthly fees listed. The board did not authorize a specific vendor beyond approving the system purchase; Mr. Tharman told trustees he would pursue the contract details and return with final pricing and implementation steps. The motion authorizes staff to proceed with procurement, subject to the usual budgeting and vendor selection procedures.

The board also discussed related safety technology — an Emergent3 program and bus-camera systems — but tabled those items pending cost comparisons and alternative options. Trustees stressed the need for reliable classroom devices and a clear timeline for installation; Mr. Tharman said he would bring firm vendor proposals and financing details to a future meeting.