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Board approves districtwide two-way radio upgrade to improve safety and reduce recurring cellular costs
Summary
The board approved a recommendation to install an integrated Motorola/Chicago Communications two-way radio system to replace most cellular-based devices; staff said the district expects to reduce recurring monthly costs (currently $5–6k) and reach payback in about 4–5 years.
District operations brought forward Action Item 5.2 recommending a districtwide two-way radio system to improve communication among buses, school buildings, school-resource officers and 9-1-1. Facilities and safety staff said the current cellular-based radio plan costs roughly $5,000–$6,000 per month and that moving to a Motorola digital system (with Chicago Communications) would eliminate most recurring service fees and improve integration across the district.
"So this would be no more service plans," the presenter said, noting the district will retain a small number of cellular devices for long-distance trips but reduce the fleet of cellular radios from roughly 150–160 to about 10–11. Staff estimated the investment would break even in about four to five years and that the radios have a long useful life. The board approved the procurement recommendation (motion carries 5–0).
