Union Schools Roll Out New Phone System

Union CSD has been working with an architect on a plan to replace the phone system district-wide over the course of the past two years.

On the surface replacing a phone system seems like a simple enough task, you go out and purchase new phones and plug them in. That of course is not the case when you are trying to replace four different, decades-old phone systems in four buildings that are located in two different towns and two different telephone exchanges. A lot of designing had to take place to make it all come together and work seamlessly.

In addition to the new phones, the wiring had to be upgraded, and it had to integrate with the current computer network. Then there were the supply shortages brought on by the pandemic.

All that preliminary work is behind us, the project is nearing completion, and the phone system was rolled out this week.

When you call the buildings during this implementation phase there may be some bumps along the way as the staff learns a whole new system. Please be patient with them as they learn this new way of doing things. Once they are comfortable everyone will enjoy the many features and benefits of this new system.

One of those features is the ability to leave voice messages for staff members if they are not immediately available. The teaching staff has a phone in their classroom now and will be able to return calls before and after school, as well as during their prep periods. They will not answer calls during instructional time. Another benefit of having phones in each workspace will be the safety aspect. Calls for emergency help will be able to be placed immediately, if needed.

Another feature will provide some cost savings to the district when calling the other buildings. The Voice over IP system will allow a staff member in either Dysart or La Porte City to contact a staff member in the other community using their 4-digit code, and without having to place a long-distance call.  Conference calls among the teachers will be easier too.

Superintendent Travis Fleshner commented, “We thank you in advance for your patience. While installing a new system in the middle of the year isn’t ideal, we encountered supply chain issues just like everyone else. Once the system is up and fully functional it will be a nice upgrade for everyone involved.” Go Knights!