District 95 looks at network with authorities
Lake Zurich Unit District 95 may purchase radios for a communications network as part of a budget proposed for the 2013-14 academic year.
The devices would connect District 95 with the Lake Zurich police and fire departments.
District 95 board members in a nonvoting committee meeting Thursday night took a final look at the proposed spending plan. The document is slated for a final vote Sept. 26.
Under the tentative budget, District 95 forecasts $94 million in revenue against $90 million in expenses.
Vicky Cullinan, assistant superintendent of business and operations, outlined portions of the budget in a presentation to the school board.
She said a portion of $500,000 set aside for contingency items in operations and maintenance would be used for the radios. About $8.1 million in expenses are projected in operations and maintenance in 2013-14.
Two-way Motorola digital radios with privacy features would be used, she said.
Cullinan said administrators already have undergone specialized command structure training through a national program.
“We've been meeting with the police and fire department about evacuation plans,” she said.
In response to a query from District 95 board member Doug Goldberg, Cullinan said a system based on wireless network technology can't be used for the type of communication planned.
Cullinan said officials must decide the best model for who will receive the radios as part of the command structure.
“Is it principals? Is it principals and assistant principals? Is it assistant principals, administrators and other key personnel?” Cullinan said.
Goldberg joked that “the NSA will still listen to us.”
District 95's proposed budget would have $65 million of the $94 million in the education fund.