Board approves Raptor emergency alert system for schools after vendor review and conditions
Summary
The Board approved Raptor Option A in the amount of $123,230 from the County budget stabilization fund, contingent on County Attorney review, an MOU with the school system, and vendor agreement that the one‑year contract begin at system activation; presenters said Intrado will cease providing the county service at year end.
Franklin County voted July 23 to proceed with Raptor as the district's emergency‑notification platform after a committee compared vendors, costs and operational features. Sheriff Bill Overton and 911 Manager Melissa Condiff summarized alternatives, legal context (Virginia HB 592/Alyssa's Law permissive rules for wearable alarms) and five‑year cost projections; the committee recommended Raptor.
The Board approved Raptor Option A in a unanimous vote (Resolution #12‑07‑2026) after Supervisor Mike Meredith moved to authorize $123,230 from the county budget stabilization fund, subject to County Attorney review, an MOU with the school system and vendor agreement that the one‑year service contract begin on activation rather than on signature. Supervisor Meredith said the motion was partly driven by an expiring vendor discount; Chair Lorie Smith added an amendment requiring an MOU with the schools. Ms. Melissa Condiff told the Board Intrado has requested the County be off the system by December 31, 2026.
Board members discussed whether strobes should be added at elementary campuses (the recommendation included strobes at the high school, middle school and Gereau Center for visibility across large footprints). The sheriff's office said it applied for a one‑time $75,000 COPS grant to offset costs and that county staff expect a 3–6 month implementation timeline if the contract is signed promptly. The resolution authorizes purchase and directs the county attorney to review contract terms and an MOU outlining school contributions and operational roles.
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