Board approves emergency-radio upgrades after all 14 facilities fail tests

What happened

The board approved a districtwide emergency-radio amplifier system for $894,390.38, plus a 5% contingency. Audits found all 14 education facilities failed emergency-radio tests, leaving first responders struggling to transmit inside buildings; installation is planned building by building, with completion targeted by mid-2027.

Why it matters to families

Police, fire and EMS responders need reliable radio communication inside school buildings during emergencies; the audit documented a districtwide communications weakness, and the approved project is intended to address it.

The evidence

In the September 24 meeting, district staff said all 14 facilities failed the emergency-radio test and responders were struggling to get calls out from inside buildings (01:13:08–01:13:50). The board then approved the $894,390.38 proposal plus 5% contingency; installation was planned through the school year and targeted for mid-summer (01:14:33–01:16:11).

The source