Schools Using Mass Notification Systems

One of our recent assignments included the evaluation and recommendations of mass notification software for use in school for scheduling to notifications and information. eSchool news recently ran an article summarizing some recent trends and shortcomings identified among colleges in the United States.
This article discusses the increasing need for administrators to obtain and implement mass communication programs that allow for practical communications with students. Schools are using electronic message boards, texting, and emails to alert students of severe weather alerts, acts of terrorism, and acts of violence. These systems typically run from $10,000 to $100,000 to install, and may suffer failures during peak usage. Some are using multiple alert systems to provide backup messaging if the primary system fails,
The eSchool News article outlines several methods currently in use and the passage of a federal law the encourages the implementation of mass notification systems. It is a good reference to administrators and technology directors in schools.