The safety of students and staff are of paramount importance, making the design and implementation of effective communication systems beyond the push of a button a critical priority for schools.
Schools should adopt an “All Hazards” approach to preparedness as they routinely face a variety of unexpected challenges, including severe weather, health emergencies, and student-related issues, in addition to the need to plan for critical events like active shooter situations.
RELATED ARTICLE: More Campuses Adopting Panic Alarm Tech, Most Satisfied with System Performance
Considering the devastating incidents that have occurred in schools over the past decade, schools are demanding advanced features to improve communication and security. Both the technology being used, and the system integration companies involved, must be able to adapt to meet these evolving needs.
——Article Continues Below——
5 Key Features of An Effective School Communication System
It’s no longer enough to simply be able to reach the front office from the classroom. As teachers’ roles and responsibilities have evolved, the technology they’re using must evolve with it. There are five key features educators and districts should seek out when choosing their communication system:
- Automation – A well-designed communication system will ensure the automated processes taking place are aligned with the needs and goals of each district’s plan. Once an emergency button is pushed or the sequence is initiated, the communication system can start a series of events to make the entire campus aware of what is happening and what to do. From automated announcements, visual messages that can flash in classrooms and hallways that detail directions on message boards, to lights being turned on and off and specific colors that signify where to go, modern systems today should be capable of being flexible to accommodate changing school requirements for safety.
- System Modularity – It’s no secret that school budgets can run tight, and allocations can shift from year to year. Having a modular communication system that can be implemented in phases helps schools effectively plan how to distribute their resources. Further, this type of system keeps schools compatible with district policies and local building codes while keeping technology current as new products come online.
- Built-in Functionality – In emergency situations, having reliable built-in functionality is vital. These functionalities should include having a lockdown button to specific announcements in customizable tones and sounds that can be played to instruct students and staff what to do next. Messages can be sent to district wide personnel that may include law enforcement and notify them of the change happening at campus.
- Interoperability – A communication system should be able to seamlessly function with existing infrastructure within the education setting. It should also integrate with other safety systems such as door access and video management systems. By being able to readily alert first responders and law enforcement systems, the communication system is instrumental for staff and student safety and helping schools comply with regulations like Alyssa’s Law.
- User-Friendliness – A technologically-advanced communication system should be user-friendly at its core and designed for ease of use by staff and students. The ability to easily program and customize to meet unique needs of each school and district not only enhances how it is used but also helps provide comfort and confidence during emergency situations.
Challenges in Designing and Implementing Compliant School Communication Systems
Navigating the complexity of needs without compromising system effectiveness is crucial when designing and implementing a communication system in education settings. By seeking a communication system that is modular in nature, school districts can evaluate what’s available to them and decide what they require today versus would like to have in the future. This allows them to allocate their resources accordingly.
RELATED ARTICLE: Study Shows Security Industry’s Positive Impact on U.S. Economy
Technological integration poses another significant obstacle as it can cause friction in how a communication solution is able to function effectively. Therefore, it is important to ensure the system is reliable and scalable as well as able to stay in-step with stakeholders, district policies, local building codes, and other requirements as they arise. By actively engaging with local authorities and the school community, staff can collaborate with the right stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Once the system is implemented, there is still work to be done to ensure it’s being utilized and managed as effectively as possible. Regular training, along with continuous monitoring and updates, is essential to keep users and the system up to date while adapting to evolving needs and emerging threats.
Conclusion on School Communication Systems
Emerging trends in technology must be considered to help keep staff and students safe.
Selecting a communication system that ensures compliance, enhances safety, and stays aligned with cutting-edge technology is essential for long-term success. Equally important is the system’s capacity for continuous improvement and adaptability, allowing it to evolve alongside the organization and effectively meet the changing needs of its users.
A solution that fosters regular updates, feedback integration, and scalability ensures that it remains relevant and responsive in an ever-evolving landscape, ultimately contributing to more efficient operations and better user satisfaction.
Clay Littleton is at sales leader for Rauland Integrated Solutions, a manufacturer of workflow and communications products for hospitals and schools.
NOTE: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.
