Fairfield Community School District, Fairfield, IA
Reimagined school safety & communications
How a pioneering Iowa school district replaced its failing, antiquated infrastructure with a single, unified safety and communications platform.
4
Campuses
150
Classrooms
1
Platform
24/7
Protection
“Quicklert has helped us to bring a greater sense of safety to our district. This safety is made possible through the clear and consistent communication to all of our stake-holders through the Quicklert platform.“
John Grunwald
IT Director, Fairfield Community Schools
THE CHALLENGE
A system at a breaking point
Fairfield Community Schools faced a critical failure of its core communication infrastructure, creating profound safety risks and eroding confidence.
Failing systems
Non-working bells, clocks, and intercoms left the district in silence, unable to perform basic daily functions.
Communication gaps
A complete lack of inter-classroom communication meant teachers were isolated in an emergency.
Eroding confidence
Following a tragic event, teacher and community confidence in the district’s safety protocols was at an all-time low.
Budget constraints
With a shrinking budget, a comprehensive, multi-vendor replacement of all failing systems seemed impossible.
THE SOLUTION
One platform. Total transformation.
Fairfield deployed the Quicklert One Platform in phases, allowing them to modernize within budget. By unifying multiple systems, they not only replaced their failing infrastructure but also introduced advanced capabilities that have positioned them as one of the safest districts in Iowa.
Unified communication
Replaced all failing systems with a single platform for bells, PA, intercoms, and classroom communication via mounted tablets.
AI-powered devices
Installed smart IP speakers with cameras and sensors in hallways for enhanced monitoring and proactive alerts.
Enhanced safety features
Equipped all staff with mobile clients, and panic pendants for immediate, one-touch access to help.
Community integration
Extended live video alerts and camera AI functions to local police dispatch and squad cars, creating a community-wide safety net.
THE DEPLOYMENT
How it works
The district achieved a full deployment of the Quicklert All-in-One Platform and AI-powered devices across all four campuses over a nine-month period, integrating comprehensive communication and safety solutions at their own pace.
ConnecTab for each classroom
The ConnecTab, a wall-mounted video intercom, became the central hub in all 150 classrooms. It replaced the old intercom, clock, and bell system, giving teachers a single, reliable device for daily operations and emergencies. It is used for two-way video calls, receiving live video announcements, and as a classroom clock and timer. Most importantly, its one-touch Panic buttons allow teachers to silently request help, while giving staff the ability to visually and audibly monitor the room to assess the situation.
IP Speakers for hallways
Strategically placed throughout the hallways, the omni-directional ip speakers deliver crystal-clear audio for announcements and bells. Some also contains a discreet, AI-powered camera for security monitoring and a drop-down screen to display visual alerts, all running off a single network cable. This multi-function design simplified installation and enhanced campus safety without an intrusive feel.
Mobile app & Panic pendants
Every teacher and staff member is equipped with the Quicklert Mobile App and a personal panic pendant. This creates an essential layer of mobile safety, ensuring that any staff member can trigger an alert instantly from anywhere on campus, or behind it.
Community & police integration
The Quicklert platform extends beyond the school walls. Select emergency alerts from the school are now sent directly to the local Jefferson County Police dispatch center and to hardened laptops in their squad cars. This direct line of communication drastically reduces response times and provides first responders with critical information before they arrive on scene.
Quicklert Management Platform
The entire network of hardware is managed from a single software interface. This “single pane of glass” allows a small IT team to easily schedule bells, announcements, manage devices, and configure emergency alerts for the entire district, dramatically reducing administrative complexity.
THE RESULTS
A new standard in safety
Solving their long-standing communication and safety challenges, Fairfield deployed Quicklert’s One Platform, allowing them to integrate everything from bells and intercoms to panic buttons and mass alerts. This unified approach, managed efficiently by a small IT team, has resulted in increased teacher safety and a state-wide reputation for innovative school security.
Increased safety & confidence
Teachers now feel significantly safer and empowered with direct communication from their classroom Tablets and mobile app.
Cost-effective deployment
Solved all infrastructure challenges for less than the cost of procuring individual, separate systems.
Streamlined operations
A small IT team now manages all communication and safety functions from a single pane of glass.
State-wide recognition
Fairfield has gained a state-wide reputation as an innovator in school safety solutions.
Products deployed
OD & ODS
Omnidirectional sound, strobe and LED lights.
ODSC
Dual 5 MP cameras and LED bar light.
ODSCD
Dual cameras and dual 15.4 displays.
Relay Gateway
Unifying systems and communications.
Panic Button
Peace of mind and immediate emergency response with one touch.
Mounted Tablets
All-in-one multipurpose device for any room.
QUICKLERT IN ACTION
See the transformation
The Quicklert platform delivered comprehensive and transformative results across the district.
