Project Overview
Upgrading Life Safety and Security Systems in a Single Campus School Environment
The Archie R-V School District, a unique K–12 campus housed under one roof, needed a complete overhaul of its life safety and security systems. With an aging fire alarm system in place and new bond and grant funding on a strict deadline, the district partnered with Control Service Company (CSC) to deliver a comprehensive, turnkey upgrade. The goal: bring the school into compliance while creating a safer, more modern environment for students, staff, and the broader community.
Scope of Work
CSC was tasked with the demolition of the existing fire alarm system and installation of a new Edwards EST4 voice evacuation system — a significant upgrade from a standard horn-strobe system. The project scope also included full installation and programming of:
- Fire alarm system (Edwards EST4)
- Access control and intrusion detection (Gallagher)
- CCTV and door intercoms (Hanwha Vision)
All work — including demo, installation, wiring, programming, and system testing — was completed in-house by CSC.
Project Goals & Challenges
The district’s primary concerns were system reliability, user safety, and code compliance. They also faced a compressed timeline: all work had to be completed over the summer break before students and staff returned in the fall.
Additional challenges included:
- Coordinating installation around ongoing summer construction and building maintenance (like floor waxing)
- Working within a FEMA-rated shelter (the auditorium), which restricted new penetrations and required creative re-use of infrastructure
- Integrating systems across a building that had been expanded in multiple phases over the years, presenting structural and wiring complexities
Solution & Execution
The EST4 system was custom-programmed by CSC using syntax code — a process that allowed for high customization and integration. Instead of relying on generic alarms, staff can now trigger pre-recorded voice messages or speak directly through the system in the event of an emergency. This flexible setup supports a wide range of critical event responses, including fire, severe weather, and intruder alerts.
Access control and CCTV systems were installed and configured to provide real-time awareness and lockdown capabilities, empowering staff to manage daily safety needs more effectively.
Results & Benefits
The completed project provided a major technology leap for the district. Key benefits include:
- Improved safety for students, staff, and visitors
- Faster emergency response via voice-directed evacuations, lockdowns, and alerts
- Greater visibility and control, thanks to integrated access, camera, and intrusion systems
- Peace of mind for families and faculty
Though the nature of the systems means results aren’t always measurable in data points, the day-to-day impact has been felt across the school. Staff now have the tools to respond quickly and effectively — and a partner they can count on when support is needed.
Client Experience
The district has been extremely pleased with both the performance of the new systems and CSC’s ongoing support. CSC’s ability to deliver a complex, multi-system upgrade on time — and to ensure it was fully operational before the first day of school — made a strong impression.
“They’ve been very pleased with the system overall. And more than that, they’ve appreciated CSC’s responsiveness whenever an issue arises. We just make sure it’s right — and they know they can count on us.”
— CSC Project Manager
From the District Superintendent:
CSC made what could have been a stressful project incredibly smooth. Their team communicated clearly, responded quickly, worked efficiently, and over delivered on their promises. We feel confident and secure with the systems now in place. I highly recommend CSC for any size project!”
— Dr. Michelle Wityk, Superintendent, Archie R-V School District
Why CSC
This project highlights why schools and districts choose Control Service Company:
- Turnkey execution: CSC handled the entire project in-house — from demolition and installation to programming and support — eliminating the need for subcontractors.
- Experience that delivers: With nearly 100 years of combined experience among the project team, CSC brought deep expertise and problem-solving to every challenge.
- On-time, on-target delivery: Despite tight summer timelines and complex installation conditions, CSC delivered a fully functional system before students returned.
- Commitment to partnership: From initial consultation through ongoing service calls, CSC prioritized the client’s experience — showing up, solving problems, and making sure it was done right.
For the Archie R-V School District, CSC wasn’t just a vendor — they were a trusted partner in building a safer, smarter campus for their students and staff.
