School Reach Program approved by Rector School Board

By ELIAZABETH BAKER

Democrat News Staff

A new, faster way of contacting parents was approved by the Rector School Board at Monday night's meeting. The SchoolReach Program, which already is in use at some other area schools, provides a message service that school officials can use to contact hundreds of parents in minutes.

Superintendent Rob Louder said the school only has to make one call and the message will go out to parents instantly.

"We just have to supply it with current phone numbers, and the service will send out whatever message we require," he explained. "If it gets a busy signal, it will call back."

Louder said the system will be invaluable for inclement weather, school closings, and even events like parent teacher conferences. "In fact, a coach can create a list of player numbers and send out messages about practices." Louder went on to say the system can be used for email alerts. "We don't have anything like this right now," he said. "If we let out for snow, the elementary teachers are on their cell phones trying to reach parents for hours."

The start-up cost for the program is $1,725, and subsequent years of service cost $1,550. "It's worth every penny for the peace of mind it will provide," Louder said.

"I'd say we're almost obligated to do it," commented board member Michael Lindsey. Other board members agreed the program will prove invaluable, and it was approved unanimously.