A portion of the Cumberland County Board of Education’s February 19, 2026, work session centered on whether or not to adopt the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system—a wearable panic button solution designed specifically for K-12 school safety.

This system equips staff with a discreet, lanyard-worn badge featuring a single push-button. Activating it instantly sends a duress alert with precise location data to on-site responders, administrators, and first responders (including 911 dispatch), using integrated dynamic digital mapping for rapid, accurate response. Unlike phone apps or wall-mounted buttons, it provides full campus coverage, works independently of Wi-Fi or cellular signals in many scenarios, and can trigger additional campus-wide notifications such as flashing strobes, intercom announcements, and computer screen takeovers to initiate lockdowns or other protocols.

It’s positioned as a faster alternative to traditional 911 calls, which can add 30–45 seconds or more due to information relay delays, and supports a layered safety approach by integrating with existing tools.

The proposal covers all 12 school buildings, plus the central office and the Director of Schools’ office. Board Member Travis Cole secured a five-year contract. The bid totals in the neighborhood of $76,000. Funding draws from available safety carryover money. But the district’s share for year one is roughly $21,000, with a first-year deficit of around $25,000 to be covered from the general fund balance.

For years 2–5, the board would commit to roughly $106,600 annually. The system has a five-month lead time for implementation, so approval would be needed soon to have it operational by August for the new school year.

Board members discussed its benefits for scenarios like medical emergencies, behavioral incidents, or active threats, where quick, location-specific help is critical. Questions arose about differences from current systems, potential future add-ons, and funding sustainability.

This item requires a board vote at next week’s meeting on Thursday, given the contract length and fund balance draw.