By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

The Parkland School Board has approved the purchase of new radios and repeaters at a cost of $169,400.

Director of Community Relations and Development Nicole McGalla said the radios are an updated, more effective version of walkie-talkies.

She explained the radios enable bus drivers to communicate with administrators and any other staff who have the devices.

“All bus drivers will have these,” McGalla said. “Everyone can communicate with everyone. Everyone can hear and respond.”

Repeaters retransmit the radio messages at a higher power to cover greater distances.

This acquisition is the final phase in a three-year plan to switch from analogue to digital.

The board, also at its May 18 meeting, approved the purchase of 28 security cameras from TWG Security, Emmaus, at a cost of $94,667.

Moving to capital improvements, the board approved a proposal from Keystone Consulting Engineers for professional services in design of the main entrance project at Parkway Manor Elementary School at a fee of $17,600.

Looking ahead to construction of a classroom addition at Kratzer Elementary School, the board authorized Traffic Planning and Design Inc. to conduct a traffic impact study for the area at a cost of $7,300.

Regarding professional services, the board approved C. Steven Miller, Esq. to remain as district solicitor.

The board recommended Buckno, Lisicky and Co., CPAs, to continue as district auditors.

Assistant Director of Business Administration Angel Green was designated board treasurer from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.