Embracing a modern communication system, South is replacing their landline service with Zoom phones, Ryan Manly, District 225 Technology Services Manager, said.

The Zoom phone will allow teachers to receive alerts not only on their computer and desk phones, but on a mobile app, Manly said. Expanding platforms of communication would allow emergency messages to more efficiently reach first responders, he added.

“[Teachers] aren’t always by their [desk] phones, and sometimes [only] have their cell,” Manly said. “911 alerts [will be easier to send] because [the mobile app is more] reliable.”

Currently, South plans to set up the new system before summer school begins, Manly said. North will follow suit, implementing the system before the start of school this coming August, he added.

“Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible,” Manly said. “We will port over all existing phone numbers, extensions, and lines during the transition process, so staff and students can maintain their contact information without disruption.”

Using the Zoom phones also reduces the money South spends on its phone system, Manly explained. With bundle pricing from Zoom, the school will save $19,115 dollars annually, according to the District 225 School Board.

Additionally, to keep the landline system running smoothly, South needed a staff member and help from external support contracts, Manly said. On the other hand, Zoom phones require less hands-on workers, he explained.

“Zoom [phones are] designed to be user-friendly, allowing a single staff member to administer the system without extensive technical expertise or support,” Manly said.