Recently the School Board of Directors approved adoption of the Centegix Crisis Alert System in all primary schools, Shaler Area Middle School, and Shaler Area High School. The system, which will be fully implemented in the fall, empowers teachers to situations as they arrive with targeted, immediate action.

Centegix places beacons in every room which can be activated by school personnel through badges. Once triggered, the beacon sends a geo-located notification to the response team, which includes the principal, assistant principals, dean of students, school nurse, and school resource officers. Dr. Brian Brown, Assistant Superintendent, explains, “This could be a student having a medical emergency, a special needs student who needs additional support, a conflict between students, or an active threat.” Previously, teachers would have to call the office, sometimes requiring walking to the nearest phone. The response with Centegix can be immediate and coordinated.

The system is being completely underwritten by a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) grant with no cost to the general fund, reflective of the district’s commitment to secure resources to support students while being fiscally responsible.

The board also approved adding an Opengate weapons detection system with PCCD funds to Shaler Area Middle School to allow streamlined screening through multiple entrances. Dr. Brown says that evaluations to implement the Opengate metal detectors and Centegix has resulted in more comprehensive security protocols for the school that keep students safe. Dr. Brown notes, “Centegix is a layer of additional security in our buildings. It gives individuals a tool necessary to address an incident as quickly as possible. Student safety is always our utmost priority.”