Board approves audio-enhancement safe-alert extenders to expand badge coverage, funded by school-safety grant

The Bibb County Board authorized a purchase order to Audio Enhancement for SafeAlert extenders in an amount not to exceed $638,946.40, funded by FY2026 school-safety grant money.

Joshua Moneypenny of the Office of Technology Services explained the extenders will expand existing safety systems beyond classroom walls, covering outdoor building perimeters and common spaces such as gyms and cafeterias where classroom microphones and badge reception are limited. He described the devices as a hardwired network point connected to an extender that receives signals from badges and microphones.

Board members asked where extenders would be located and how they connect. Technology staff said primary placement would be outside building perimeters and in larger common spaces; installation requires a hardwired network connection at each extender location. Several members praised the safety upgrade and the procurement department's use of the FY26 school-safety grant to fund the purchase.

The motion passed unanimously and will be included on the consent agenda.