Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) has adopted the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system, a cutting-edge, wearable safety technology that enhances the district’s emergency response capabilities.
This new system empowers staff members with the ability to initiate alerts and notify responders instantly during emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty and staff across all CFSD campuses.
CFSD is the first Arizona school district to adopt the CENTEGIX Safety Platform. It is the same system credited with saving lives in the recent Apalachee, Georgia, school shooting.
The CENTEGIX Safety Platform provides a fast and reliable method of alerting responders in both every day and critical emergencies. This system operates without dependence on Wi-Fi or cellular networks, making it reliable in any condition and capable of providing precise floor- and room-level location data during an emergency.
“Our district is committed to creating a safe learning environment, and the adoption of the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system is a significant step in enhancing our response capabilities,” said CFSD Superintendent Dr. Denise Bartlett. “This system will help us protect everyone on our campuses by ensuring rapid and effective communication during emergencies.”
Key features of the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert System:
•Exact location tracking: Provides responders with precise floor- and room-level location details on a digital campus map.
•Campuswide alerts: In case of a major emergency, staff can trigger a campuswide alert that immediately activates visual and audio notifications through flashing strobes, screen takeovers and intercom messages.
•Full coverage: The system works inside and outside buildings, covering areas like parking lots and athletic fields.
•911 integration: Direct connections to 911 and local public safety officials, allowing for rapid coordination in severe emergencies.
•Quick installation: The system requires no alterations to physical structures, making installation fast and easy.
The adoption of the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system aligns with CFSD’s ongoing commitment to safety and security. During the 2022-23 school year, CFSD conducted an extensive safety review of all nine campuses, leading to significant security upgrades funded by $5 million from school improvement bonds. These enhancements included new school office designs, expanded video surveillance and single points of entry. New strategies, like CENTEGIX, are implemented based on ongoing assessments.
In October, CFSD and Pima County Sheriff’s Department held safety sessions with parents at every school across the district, ensuring open communication and addressing parent questions about student safety. These sessions provided parents with insights into the district’s safety protocols, emergency preparedness plans and the steps taken to enhance security across all campuses.