CCSD21 to revamp intercom, clock systems at all buildings over two years

Community Consolidated School District 21 will undertake a two-year project to replace its simplex intercom and clock systems at all buildings, after receiving approval from the Board of Education during its April 18 meeting.

The current systems are not efficient and are in a state where the district is seeing increased failure rates, according to Mike Frantini, chief technology officer for the district. Further, as technology systems continue to advance, there are fewer integrations possible with the district’s current systems.

“Currently, technology integrations from the intercom systems to our phone system do not work in all buildings because of the age of the intercom systems,” Frantini said. “This can prohibit staff from the ability to perform an ‘all call’ from any room or phone within the building in the case of an emergency.”

CCSD21 will work with CRW and First Security for cabling and a Carehawk intercom and clock system, respectively. The new intercom and clock system comes with a range of features and integrations that “will be a great solution moving forward,” Frantini added. 

These include a larger, more versatile display screen; more granular and flexible volume and zone controls for announcements; the ability to display the Standard Response Protocol symbols and actions; the ability to do an “all call” to all or specific schools for designated staff; and an intuitive interface for front office staff or tech staff with interactive maps for monitoring pages or “all calls.”

The Carehawk system can also integrate with other features the district already has, including CrisisGo, panic buttons, the Mitel phone system, Genetec door access, and the gym sound systems.

As part of the project, all current intercom head ends, speakers, clocks and call buttons will be replaced over the course of two summers. The first six schools will be completed this summer at a cost of $1.76 million, and the remaining buildings would be completed in the summer of 2025 at a cost of $1.92 million.