Concerns about classroom safety have prompted the District 120 Board of Education to approve spending nearly $10,000 for a two-way communications system at Mundelein High School.
Software equipment from Digital Research will allow two-way communication between all classrooms and the principal’s and dean’s offices through the computer system already in place.
Currently, teachers must send someone for help if a student becomes seriously ill, a fight breaks out, an intruder enters a classroom or some other emergency arises.
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With the new system, teachers will be able to hit a few keys on a keyboard and have an instant connection with the principal’s or dean’s offices.
“With a few clicks (teachers) can say `Room 143–fight,’ and get a response,” Assistant Principal Gerry Daley said at last week’s board meeting.
The communication system is part of a safety plan the administration has been developing over the past five years.
The inability of teachers to communicate directly with the office has been a concern for some time, Supt. Arthur T. Newbrough said, but the shootings in April at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., increased the sense of urgency.
The school board Tuesday unanimously approved purchase of the software and installation of microphones and speakers on classroom computers.
The system is expected to be in operation by January.