Board approves ETS quote to add electronic door access, delegates authority to adjust hardware

The Richardton-Taylor 34 School Board voted to accept ETS’s quote for electronic door access and grant staff limited authority to modify the hardware or which portable door is included to contain costs and improve system compatibility.

Staff member (S8) presented four vendor bids and emphasized system compatibility with the high school. "I'm leaning towards DTS just because that's what we have," S8 said while describing the benefit of a single, integrated system. Board members debated differences between electric strikes and maglocks, fire-alarm integration needs and the optional $600-per-year service contract some vendors offered.

Committee member (S1) moved to accept ETS quote 2, with delegation to switch to maglocks or alter Door 8 to Door 6 if appropriate; S5 seconded and Chair (S2) called the voice vote. The motion carried.

Why it matters: board members said tying the elementary system to the high school reduces long-term maintenance complexity and enables centralized access control, but they also noted the trade-offs: maglocks require verified fire-alarm integration to ensure doors release automatically in alarms.

What happens next: staff will finalize the vendor’s scope with the delegated authority to change the strike type or the targeted door (Door 8 to Door 6) if that lowers cost or improves safety and interoperability. The board directed staff to return as needed with a final contract or report on any material changes.

Board action recorded: motion to award ETS Quote 2 with delegated modification authority; voice vote carried.