Satellite System Provides Backup Services for KLSD

The Katonah-Lewisboro School District has successfully had a satellite system installed on the roof of John Jay High School. This addition will enable backup phone and Internet access in the event of emergency situations where those services might temporarily be lost. After the unforeseen weather circumstances that the region faced last year, the District has taken this important measure as a way to maintain its technology and communication capabilities at all times.

The District is pleased to report that its satellite system’s signal is very strong and has tested above average. Internet and phone services worked excellently during trial runs in which the satellite was utilized. Internet connection was successful when plugged into the network switch and also when wireless access points were used, and phone calls functioned flawlessly and properly.

The satellite is part of a storm response plan that the District developed as a way to be best equipped for emergencies. A command center was established in the High School step lab and three wheeled 100,000-watt generators were also obtained. The generators provide enough power to run an entire elementary school if necessary.

“We faced unusual challenges last year, and hopefully the storms we experienced were anomalies,” stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Kreutzer. “At the same time, it is critical that we are prepared for similar circumstances with alternative ways to keep our lines of communication open. The satellite addition and storm response plan provide assurance that we can remain accessible during emergencies.”