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Schools learn ways to improve campus safety during technology roundtable

Posted at 1:56 PM, May 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-09 15:25:28-04

Schools from all over Central Texas are learning how they can improve their security through a technology roundtable aimed at increasing campus safety.

"Ten years ago, we didn't have electronic doors, we do now. Ten years ago, we didn't have a lot of cameras. Now we have 160 cameras in our district," said Earl Bragg, technology director for Salado ISD.

The event was hosted by TFE, a technology company with headquarters in Hewitt, that's bringing its partners to the people to provide information on safety solutions for local schools.

Nearly 40 people showed to the event that took place at George's Resturant at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Some attendees traveled from as far away as Corsicana to be there.

"They came from everywhere and not only the technology people but the administration and their safety people, so that was really neat to see," said Teri Anderson, CEO of TFE.

A representative from Singlewire and Graybar led presentations on different security solutions. Singlewire talked about Informacast, an emergency mass notification system that sends audio, text and images to mobile and on-premise devices.

Graybar went over In-Building Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), a network system that can provide wireless service along with first responder coverage within a geographic area or structure. 

"They were introducing some software that could impact safety on campuses, so we're always looking for things that we can integrate that are going to help make our campuses safer," said David Wrzesinski, Director of Special Programs for Robinson ISD.

While many districts have been always been focused on school safety, the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida has them working even harder to protect students and staff. 

"To better serve students is what we're looking for," said Kevin Pitts, assistant superintendent for China Springs ISD. "Coming to training like this, to learn about new solutions that are available to school districts and to better serve students is what we're looking for."

For more information on TFE and its services, click here

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