Fairfield schools install advanced communication, security system

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Community School District has undertaken a major upgrade to its communication and security networks this summer.

The district has installed a tablet in every classroom in the district that serves as an intercom, a bell system, and a way to make video calls between rooms. It also has security features that allow teachers to send for help in an emergency. For instance, pressing a panic button on the tablet sends text messages, phone calls, and email alerts to district officials and law enforcement personnel. In case of emergencies such as a fire or tornado, a computer voice in the tablet instructs people where to seek shelter or how to exit the building.

The district’s technology director, John Grunwald, said that Fairfield is the first school district in Iowa to have this highly advanced communication and security network called Quicklert. He said the desire for this upgrade came about because Fairfield High School no longer had a functioning bell system. When Grunwald looked into what it would cost to replace the bell system, he learned it was $180,000, which would only cover the high school.

However, after doing some research into other options, Grunwald discovered there was a cheaper option, and one that offered many more services. The district purchased about 160 Quicklert tablets for every classroom in the district, and the cost was only $150,000.

“With our old intercom system, a teacher couldn’t use it to call another teacher,” Grunwald said. “Now they can do that, and they can even do a video call with a teacher in another building.”

The Quicklert system can send emergency messages that vary depending on the type of emergency. For instance, if there is a mess to clean up, a message can be sent to the custodial staff, telling them which room needs cleaning. If a student is having a behavioral problem, a message can be sent to the principal and a team of aides so they know about the problem immediately. Grunwald said the tablets even have the ability to detect a gas leak.

Perhaps the most advanced feature of the tablets is their use of artificial intelligence. The tablets have a program that can recognize if a person is holding a gun, and can alert the authorities before a human even presses a button on the device.

“This system is designed to protect our students and protect our staff,” Grunwald said.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com