LINN —  During their Oct. 16 meeting, the Linn R-2 Board of Education heard a proposal to replace the district’s aging communication radios — a move aimed at improving both daily operations and emergency response efficiency.

According to the report presented by Superintendent Bob James, current radios have been in use for many years and are showing their age. The single-channel system offers limited range and lacks the capability to assign separate communication channels to individual buildings or departments. To extend range across campus, the district has added boosters over the years, but James said the system still falls short of modern communication needs.

“The result of using aged equipment without single-user channels makes communication difficult at times and oftentimes confusing, with multiple users commingling information,” James stated. “There’s often times, especially in emergency situations, where the last thing we want is everybody on one channel of the radio. We really need to separate that out.”

Audio quality has also degraded, requiring staff to repeat messages to ensure clarity.

The proposed upgrade would provide multiple dedicated channels — for example, one for elementary staff and another for custodial staff — allowing for clearer, more efficient communication. It would also include emergency channels that could be used exclusively during critical situations, enabling faster, more coordinated responses.

In addition to the functional benefits, the upgrade would include accessories designed to reduce classroom disruption. The plan calls for lapel microphones and earpieces to allow quieter communication, minimizing the need for open-air chatter that can distract students and staff.

James said improving the radio system would “declutter operational communication” and streamline efforts across the district. He also noted that students, visitors, and staff not directly involved in communications would no longer be burdened by constant radio noise.

“Right now, we’re a one-trick pony, and it’s not working very efficiently for us, nor is it working very well from a qualitative standpoint,” said James.

The total estimated cost of the upgrade is roughly $20,580, which covers repeaters, antennas, installation, licensing, and new handheld radios.

Specific expenses include:

• Three FR 5300 repeaters with power supply and duplexer ($10,500 total)

• Three repeater antennas ($1,350 total)

• Three mast pipes and brackets ($450 total)

• 225 feet of 1/2” hardline with connectors (estimated at $1,350)

• Three lightning protectors with grounding ($600 total)

• Three repeater and antenna installations ($2,700 total)

• Three 10-year FCC licenses at ($2,250 total)

• Four Icom F1000S portable radios ($1,800 total)

• Two speaker microphones ($130 total)

• Four over-the-ear earpieces with microphones ($400 total)

While James acknowledged the cost as “substantial,” he emphasized the investment’s importance to overall safety and operational effectiveness. “It will improve our emergency response communication, ensure that our communication throughout the day is thorough without being disruptive, and improve our overall operational efficiency,” he noted.

“I would think that this would be a pretty high-priority item, considering we don’t even have really great cell phone service here,” said Board Vice President Mark Baker.

The recommendation was presented for review and discussion only. With superintendent approval already granted, James said the district plans to move forward with the purchase, as no concerns were raised among board members.