Streamlining security and life safety operations and costs in K-12 schools

This southern school district was ready to streamline their security and life safety operations and reduce unnecessary expenses. To help them accomplish their goals, they brought in Johnson Controls.

Rear view of two girls wearing backpacks and walking towards a school, holding hands

By Julie Brown, Institutional Market Leader, Johnson Controls

A southern school district was feeling the effects of choosing multiple low-bid vendors; with over 100 sites to manage and multiple intrusion and life safety systems in place, they were experiencing unreliable service that left their students and staff feeling unsafe. In addition, the school was overwhelmed by rising false alarms. These nuisance alarms were becoming an expensive drain on the district as well as local police and fire department’s resources, requiring unnecessary dispatching and investigation. The school district was ready to streamline their security and life safety operations and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Creating a unified system that optimizes safety

To power their mission and reach their desired outcomes, this school district partnered with Johnson Controls to unify their disparate systems and standardize their strategy across multiple locations. They selected one security and fire alarm manufacturer for the entire district, creating a harmonized life safety environment while guaranteeing reliable service and maintenance.

Johnson Controls also assisted the school district in designing an alarm process that can be enacted before the police are dispatched. These procedures require double confirmation, such as a motion sensor and door alarm being initiated in the same area. These operation changes have greatly reduced the number of false alarms plaguing the district and the local police.

To power their mission and reach their desired outcomes, this school district partnered with Johnson Controls to unify their disparate systems and standardize their strategy across multiple locations. They selected one security and fire alarm manufacturer for the entire district, creating a harmonized life safety environment while guaranteeing reliable service and maintenance.

Reducing costs and false alarms while maximizing reliability

Working with the Johnson Controls team, the school district has reached their cost reduction goals. By establishing a single source monitoring fee, the school district is saving up to $500,000 a year, with additional savings associated with a decrease in false alarms.

By committing to one life safety system, as well as implementing a UL listed intrusion panel to monitor fire systems at every location, the district has greatly streamlined their processes. With a centralized source of support, it’s easy to receive reliable parts and systems services when needed. The district can feel confident knowing they are protecting their students and staff with a comprehensive and holistic life safety strategy.

Learn more about how school districts can reduce false alarm costs with Johnson Controls.