Choosing Between Expense and Student Safety

Earlier this month in Austin, Texas, school district officials had to close seven schools because of the threat of two armed men running from police near an elementary school. Administrators didn’t want students walking to school in this potentially dangerous situation. They implemented their emergency communications system, which involved notifying the media, posting a notice on the district’s Web site, and providing information to the schools’ switchboard operators.

Fortunately, the armed robbery occurred early enough to notify most parents through television and radio. But what would have happened if it had occurred only 15 or 20 minutes before school. Many students would have already been on their way to school, either walking or in the car. And media outlets wouldn’t have had time to warn most people.

The school district has looked into using an automated phone system that could send messages to cell phones or home phones in less than an hour. But, officials said the district can’t afford to spend the money.

This is exactly why Communications Made Easy has worked so hard on developing a system that is affordable to all users, no matter the size or scope. When it comes to our kids, we shouldn’t have to risk putting them in dangerous situations when the technology is available to keep them safer. We think a more direct approach is needed to notify parents. Text messages and automated phone calls to home and cell phones would be much more efficient and reach more parents quickly, especially those who are already on their way to school. CME intergrates all of those options into one simple Web site interface to facilitate fast distribution of important information.