Allegheny Valley to implement new emergency alert badges this school year

Allegheny Valley teachers and staff will have an additional safety tool this school year.

On their first day back district employees will receive training to use Centegix’s CrisisAlert panic button system.

The system will add a credit-card sized badge into the lanyards or clips that employees already wear, according to Allegheny Valley School District spokeswoman Jan Zastawniak.

These cards come equipped with a button that staff members can click in case of an emergency.

A certain number of clicks will alert a “core team” of district officials — including administrators, nurses and secretaries — of incidents such as medical episodes or fights, Zastawniak said.

Another certain sequence of clicks, would alert surrounding police departments of an active emergency, she said.

Zastawniak said the district had been discussing safety improvements for years but found the right fit in Atlanta-based Centegix’s system.

At a school board meeting Tuesday, district Superintendent Patrick Graczyk said the system would help staff react faster and stay vigilant during emergency situations.

“We’re excited by the partnership as we move closer and closer to keeping our students, staff and visitors safe in our buildings, and this is one step in that direction,” he said.

Allegheny Valley officials, Zastawniak said, found inspiration across the river in the Plum School District, which began using the same system last August. She said the district worked closely with Plum safety coordinators as it considered using the Centegix system.

The system will cost Allegheny Valley $148,200, but Zastawniak said the program will be covered by grants for the first three years.

Plum announced earlier this month that it would begin using weapons detection units at some schools and events in the district beginning this school year.

In the future, Zastawniak said, similar units could also be implemented in Allegheny Valley schools.

“No idea is off the table when we start talking about emergency management,” she said.

Allegheny Valley students return to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 25.