Situated in the midwestern United States, Wisconsin is home to nearly 450 school districts and over 2200 public schools. Each year, schools across the state educate millions of young students, while creatively working around tight budgets and growing student populations.

Situated in the midwestern United States, Wisconsin is home to nearly 450 school districts and over 2200 public schools. Each year, schools across the state educate millions of young students, while creatively working around tight budgets and growing student populations.

Security is a top priority at schools nationwide. In Wisconsin, the state passed a $100 million-dollar School Safety bill specifically for schools to upgrade technology in response to security concerns. This sparked school systems across the state to step up in solving these challenges. Prior to the School Safety bill, many Wisconsin schools were using expensive, outdated communications technology that desperately needed to be upgraded. The average phone system lasts approximately 10 years. However, Wisconsin schools were using analog phone systems that were purchased at the turn of the century. It was imperative for Wisconsin schools to not only update their communications platforms but also to build out new security measures for keeping students and staff safe. Wisconsin schools needed to find a phone system that could meet these needs.

Switchvox provided significant technology upgrades that reduced costs and addressed the needed security measures. “We started by replacing our old digital Toshiba phone system with a Switchvox virtualized system,” says Sadie O’Brien, IT director for the Shiocton School District. “We believe in technology, and the timing couldn’t be better as we had just installed a new door access system that we will be integrating with Switchvox for security. And we will later be integrating the Quicklert system and potentially purchasing some new smart speakers throughout.” Switchvox also gives faculty and staff additional flexibility in how they communicate – both on and off campus. With Switchvox, up to five devices can operate on a single user license. This means teachers and administrators can communicate using Switchvox with their desktops, laptops, desk phones, mobile phones, and tablets. They can utilize the Switchvox mobile app to call parents and others using their school number, so their personal cell phone number remains private. Teachers also enjoy the ability to use the mobile app to change their phone status so others know if they are in their classroom or away. The Switchvox voicemail-to-email feature allows staff and teachers to receive an email when messages are left on their desk phone. These messages can be accessed visually on their personal devices, giving them the freedom to listen to voicemails wherever they are. Another useful feature is the ability to record calls and have them sent to their email to be saved or forwarded to administrative personnel in the case of difficult situations. Other features Wisconsin schools are enjoying include integration with desktop computers; call accountability so the user can see incoming, outgoing, and missed calls; Interactive Voice Response (IVR) that automates the process of directing calls to the proper person or department; and call center software to help schools manage calls during periods of heavy call volume. Their reseller, UniTel, Inc., provides the schools with what O’Brien says is an excellent tracking system for determining savings based on their new Switchvox system. “It looks like we are saving about $400 a month so far, and we are about to make more changes in our providers that will potentially open up even more savings.”