Community grant to support safety in Bartlett schools

The U-46 School District Safety and Culture department received a $9,000 check from the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Association to purchase base station radios for all Bartlett schools. The radios will provide a backup radio communication system to the district's backup emergency phone system.

"These community grant funds allow us to fast track our emergency communication preparedness between schools, district and emergency responders with equipment that we did not anticipate having the ability to install for another three years," said John Heiderscheidt, director of school district Safety and Culture. "The work of our community partners in creating safer schools is priceless."

The funds will allow the district to purchase and install a base radio for each Bartlett school's front office to ensure emergency communication. Each radio will have an antenna on the building that will enhance the two-way radio ability to communicate with the districtwide digital radio network. This allows district and school-site officials to communicate if phones and computers do not work. It also increases the number of radios used at each school to enhance school day-to-day communication operations.

"Each year we look for new, local organizations to support in a meaningful way," said Mike Dexter, president of the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Association. "Our members are proud to present this donation to the district for the benefit of the students, teachers and staff at all of the Bartlett schools."

School District Safety and Culture is committed to the safety and security of students, staff and visitors within U-46 facilities. Professional development and collaborative partnerships are necessary to the success of the safety plan and emergency management efforts that include prevention, preparedness, response and recovery procedures relevant to potential natural and human-caused crisis.

Safe school planning is a partnership that includes a working relationship with local emergency responders, community members, government leaders, social service networks, parents and students.