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GroupCast Powered Missouri Alert Network Enters 4th Year of Service
System powered by GroupCast (parent company of SchoolReach) 
distributes voice, email, and text messages to Missouri school administrators at a moment's notice
A significant milestone was passed in August 2010, when the Missouri Alert Network entered into its 4th year of operation. The state-wide alert program stemmed from a public-private cooperative effort between the Missouri Department of Public Safety (MO DPS), the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) and GroupCast, LLC. The program was initiated by a vision shared by the MSBA and MO DPS to create a notification system that could reach key contacts within all Missouri schools instantly.
The Missouri Alert Network is managed by MIAC, the Missouri Information & Analysis Center which is 
part of the Missouri Highway Patrol law enforcement network. The decision to activate the Missouri Alert Network is based on a joint decision issued by the Dept. of Public Safety and the Dept. of Homeland Security. The network is activated in the event of a statewide or regional emergency or situation that could compromise the safety and security of Missouri students and school staff members. The service is funded under a pro-bono agreement between the MSBA and GroupCast as part of GroupCast's commitment to improving school safety and security.
The service requires school administrators to opt in to the service at no cost. GroupCast's technology enables state officials to quickly and easily send recorded voice, email or text alerts to all Missouri school administrators in a matter of minutes. After the message is distributed, state officials receive a report detailing the schools that did or did not receive the message, ensuring every school in the state is updated with the time-sensitive information. Before the creation of the Missouri Alert Network, there was no statewide school administrator notification system. This program was especially appealing to the state because it required no installation of hardware or phone lines. Messages can be launched from the command center or any remote location with phone or internet connection.
Since its inception in 2007, the Missouri Alert Network has been used for a myriad of reasons including threats of violence, H1N1 alerts, severe weather conditions, and alerts of suspicious activity involving students. The Missouri Alert Network is tested monthly to ensure its function when needed. The monthly tests are also used to share information with school administrators that may not be of an urgent nature.
GroupCast, LLC is the parent company of SchoolReach Instant Parent Contact, an automated parent notification solution dedicated to serving the K-12 community.