Triad to pilot new way to get critical 911 incident details near schools; reminder about school meal debts
By Charles Bolinger
Editor • A large part of Triad Associate Superintendent Rodney Winslow’s Dec. 15 board report dealt with a new emergency response program and a reminder about school lunch debt at district schools.
First, he touched on 911RTA with SirenGPS. It is an emergency response enhancement that integrates real‑time GPS location, automated incident notifications and two‑way communication to speed dispatcher awareness and improve coordination during student medical or safety events.
The program’s main goal is to provide real‑time information to building principals and SROs about critical 911 incidents happening in close proximity to our schools. Triad signed an agreement with the organization to pilot the service next semester; pilot funding is provided for one year through an Illinois state grant coordinated by SIUE.
Food Service/Fee Notice
At the beginning of the second semester, we will provide notice to all families about a respectful, family-focused approach to collecting unpaid meal charges to encourage eligible families to apply for the federally reimbursable meal program.
Although we include notices in our registration process to inform families of this opportunity, this notice provides more detail about how these items align with our board policies.
We anticipate being able to send an automated notice to parents once meal fee accumulations reach a negative $25 balance. If this amount continues to increase, letters will be sent by building principals and the central office encouraging parents to arrange payment and/or apply for free or reduced-price meals. If we are unable to get a response from parents or guardians, we will consider referring the balance to an outside collection agency, which would then assume responsibility for requesting payment.
Throughout the process, the district will continue to allow students to purchase a regular meal during the school day and will communicate respectfully with parents about payment. Student communication will be confidential and will remind students that they may purchase only one meal at a time. The district will keep thorough, documented logs of all outreach and will notify families when an intent to refer and a final referral for collections has been made. The intention is to continue providing meals to all students while maintaining a reasonable threshold for outstanding negative balances related to food service and school fees.
He noted that last month, the district received a $24,000 donation from the American Legion – Post 708 to provide food for Triad students.
“The donation was distributed among 553 students to help reduce or eliminate their negative balances as of Nov. 19, 2025,” Winslow said. “Their gift made an immediate and meaningful difference in many families’ lives, as reflected in the many notes of gratitude received from parents.”
The next Triad School Board meeting is Jan. 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
