Educational institutions across the United States are making significant efforts to modernize essential communication systems, such as clocks, bells, and paging technologies. Although these systems often operate in the background, their role in maintaining the structure of the school day and ensuring safety cannot be understated. However, the aging infrastructure in many districts has become a pressing concern, prompting an increased focus on upgrades to these critical systems.
In many schools, technology refresh cycles often prioritize high-profile tools, such as student devices, network equipment, and classroom technologies. This has left other fundamental systems—such as those that manage schedules and announcements—operating on outdated and sometimes failing hardware. The consequences of this neglect are becoming increasingly apparent as school leaders face mounting challenges in maintaining aging systems.
One such example is California’s Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Like many districts, Mt. Diablo USD has relied on decades-old hardwired systems to run its clocks, bells, and public address (PA) systems. The district’s maintenance teams have had to resort to scavenging parts from old inventory to keep these systems running.
“Our clocks, bells, and PA systems in our classrooms are original to the buildings,” said Melanie Koslow, the district’s executive director of maintenance, operations, and facilities. “When a clock or speaker stops working, we’re often left rummaging through our electronics shop for components that aren’t even manufactured anymore.”
Recognizing the critical need for updates, the district has taken a methodical approach to modernization. Using bond funding, Mt. Diablo USD began by upgrading the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that supports these systems, such as wiring and connectivity. These foundational improvements set the stage for the deployment of more advanced, digital solutions.
With this groundwork in place, the district has turned its attention to implementing modern clocks and digital announcement systems. These upgrades aim to streamline communication and ensure that the systems function reliably across all school buildings.
“Our long-term goal is to provide these modernized systems throughout the district,” Koslow explained. “It’s a step-by-step process, and as we receive additional community support and funding, we’ll be able to extend these upgrades to every classroom.”
The district’s efforts to modernize its communication systems also extend to its telephone network, which has become increasingly unreliable over the years. The existing phone system is described as antiquated and difficult to maintain, posing significant challenges for staff, particularly during emergencies when clear and reliable communication is paramount.
“One of our biggest concerns is the outdated phone system,” Koslow said. “It’s hard to maintain and creates safety risks. We need a solution that’s not only modern but also easier to manage.”
To address these issues, the district is transitioning to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. This modern communication technology offers a range of benefits, including improved reliability, simplified maintenance, and enhanced functionality. VoIP systems enable seamless communication, ensuring that staff can quickly and effectively respond to emergencies or coordinate daily operations.
“We had deployed VoIP in a few locations several years ago, but the technology has significantly improved since then,” Koslow noted. “It’s now much more reliable, and we’ll have more technicians who can manage the system, making it a better fit for our needs.”
While Mt. Diablo USD’s modernization efforts highlight the challenges and opportunities of upgrading communication systems, these struggles are not unique to the district. Across the country, schools are facing similar issues with aging infrastructure and limited funding. For example, in Hawaii, officials estimate that rewiring hundreds of Department of Education buildings with fiber-optic cables—a necessary step for implementing new bell and paging systems—could cost tens of millions of dollars.
Despite these obstacles, the push to modernize is gaining momentum. Schools increasingly recognize that reliable communication technologies are essential not only for maintaining schedules and operations but also for ensuring the safety and security of students and staff. As districts like Mt. Diablo USD make progress, they set a valuable example for others navigating the complexities of modernization.
Koslow emphasized the importance of taking a long-term view when tackling these projects. “Every step we take brings us closer to creating a stronger, more resilient foundation for our schools,” she said.
By prioritizing foundational upgrades and leveraging available funding sources, districts can address the challenges of aging systems while building a more efficient and secure future. These efforts not only enhance the day-to-day functioning of schools but also provide peace of mind for educators, students, and parents alike.
As schools continue to invest in these upgrades, they ensure that critical systems—though often unnoticed—remain reliable and effective, supporting the broader mission of education and safety for all.
