Overview

Location: Nashville, TN
Number of Students: 1440
Number of Employees: 250

Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory Christian school for preschool, elementary, middle, and high school children. The Academy provides a transformational education through a Christian worldview and offers extensive programs to uncover each student’s unique design and divine purpose. CPA was established in 1985 as a ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Nashville, TN, to provide education for the covenant children of the church and those of other believers who desired an excellent education with a Christian worldview.

We met with Matt Moore, Associate Head of School, Operations, to learn about CPA’s need to enhance their mass notification system (MNS) and their experience with the Alertus System.

Challenge

Reliability Concerns & Limited Means of Communication

Before Alertus, CPA’s mass notification system consisted of an intercom system running through Bell Software that could broadcast automated messages via phone commands and distress buttons. This method of communication was causing reliability concerns and was even distributing accidental emergency announcements. Additionally, they were limited in the means and methods of notifying their stakeholders, which hindered growth. For example, a static emergency message was being sent across campus, and Moore wanted unique, dynamic messages distributed based on the building/location of activation.

Solution

System expansion

They had a security audit performed on their campus and one of the major recommendations in an active threat situation was quick communication. “We needed multiple ways to communicate a message to ensure as many people as possible were alerted,” said Moore.

When choosing a new MNS, Moore and his team discovered why Alertus is highly regarded. “We received a few recommendations to review Alertus,” he said. “The ability to send an event-specific, near-instantaneous message via dozens of alert services was exciting. We wanted to shore up and expand our capabilities, so Alertus was a logical choice. The IP-AVAs that are connected to our access control system, and the USB Panic Buttons have been essential in stabilizing our system.”

Because CPA already had an intercom system, the initial appeal of the Alertus System capabilities was in the Desktop™ Notification alert system that can display screen overrides on all desktop computers and hallway monitors. “The intercom system does not reach every nook and cranny, so the ability to display an alert on these devices was paramount,” said Moore. “Since we’ve implemented Alertus, I also enjoyed the integration with Raptor Technologies (for SMS/Text, Email, and phone calls) and Google Chat.”

Smooth Implementation

Moore found that after he understood the process, the implementation of the Alertus System went great. “It was more of a self-guided implementation in that after the initial provisioning, the implementation specialist left it to me to reach out when I needed assistance,” said Moore. “I liked this as I could set meetings when I could work on it, but it just took a minute to catch on. I’ve been through several software implementations, and Alertus was one of the better ones.”

Stability, MORE Capabilities & One-Step Activation

With the Alertus System, CPA has achieved stability within its current system, expanded capabilities, and one-step activation.

Fortunately, they have not had to use or activate the system in an emergency. “There was a day we probably should have used a HOLD notification when a significant storm popped up during school pick-up,” said Moore. “But it’s one of those things we can reflect on and say that would have helped.” Going forward, they are working on ways to improve how the Alertus System functions and how they can continue to expand its capabilities.