Agenda Item
d. Vape Sensors for High Schools (Not to exceed $1,602,443.27) ~ Updated 8.10.2025
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education approve the contract with South Western Communications, Inc. (SWC) to purchase vape sensors for high schools for an amount not to exceed $1,602,443.27.
Why: Installing vape sensors in all high schools across DeKalb County School District aligns directly with Strategic Goal 4.1-to ensure a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment. These sensors discreetly monitor air quality in high-risk areas like restrooms and locker rooms, detect vaping (including nicotine and THC), and immediately alert staff-reducing staff patrols and allowing them to focus on teaching rather than surveillance. By deterring vaping, improving indoor air quality, and enabling timely, data-informed interventions, the initiative not only helps enforce school policies but also supports student health and fosters a respectful, disruption-free atmosphere consistent with DCSD’s culture and climate objectives.
• Over 22,000 vaping-related disciplinary incidents were reported in Georgia schools during the 2022-23 academic year, a sharp increase from roughly 18,700 the previous year-highlighting a statewide surge in vaping behavior among students (The Atlanta Journal-
Constitution Feb 19, 2024).
• In Georgia, over 10% of high schoolers reported vaping at least once in the past month, with 7% using e-cigarettes during the previous 30 days-and an additional 4% reporting dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes (UGA Today August 29, 2022).
• Nationally, vaping remains prevalent, with 7.8% of high schoolers and 3.5% of middle schoolers reporting current e-cigarette use in 2024-totaling 1.63 million U.S. youth-and 26.3% of users using it daily (CDC September 5, 2024).
U.S. Middle & High School Students
2023
2024
-
• Current ecigarette use (%)
7.7%
5.9% (PMC)
• High school current use (%)
10.0%
7.8%
• Middle school current use (%)
4.6%
3.5%
• Users vaping daily (%)
-
26.3%
Georgia (Statewide)
• Disciplinary vaping incidents
22,209 (2022-23)
-
• Students disciplined for vaping (approx.)
-
17,500 (2023-24)
• Suspension days for vaping
-
12,268 days
Details: The purchase and installation of these discreet ceiling-mounted sensors will be installed in high-risk, private areas like restrooms and locker rooms to continuously monitor air quality for nicotine and THC aerosols. Once a threshold is reached, sensors will instantly alert designated staff, facilitating real-time intervention, preserving instructional time, and safeguarding student health without invasive surveillance. This collaborative, data-driven initiative aligns with Strategic Goal Area 4-Culture and Climate-by proactively creating a safer, more supportive environment while optimizing staff resources and ensuring student privacy.
Financial impact: The purchase and deployment of vape detection devices in high schools for an amount not to exceed $1,602,443.27 would include leveraging the use of JUUL funds under the general budget Charge Code: 582.0000.419950.08121.7200.9990.8010.115.0008.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678.676.1811,
Dr. Shannon Crosslin, Senior Counseling Coordinator, Student Advancement Department, Division of Wrap Around Services, 404.808.8942
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Pending Approval by the Office of Legal Affairs
DCSD- Dekalb County High Schools
Halo Systems
3630 Shallowford Rd NE
Doraville, GA 30340
TIPS Contract Number 230105
Proposal for
DEKALB CO SCHOOL DISTRICT
(GA)
SWC of Atlanta
70 Crestridge Dr., Suite 100
Suwanee, GA 30024
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
July 09, 2025
Proposal valid for 30 days.
www.swc.net | 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Scope of Work 3
Cost of Proposal 7
Bill of Materials 8
Terms and Conditions 12
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 3
Scope
SWC is pleased to submit this proposal for the installation of 436 Halo 3C-PC environmental
Sensors and the neXus smart campus solution with cloud storage. Successful completion of
this project will provide Dekalb County School District with an integrated, comprehensive,
and district-wide safety and security solution. SWC will design, deploy, configure, test, and
train users on each of the following system components/applications:
IPVideo Halo Environmental Sensors:
•Furnish and install 436 Halo 3C-PC device
•Provide and program all devices
•Connected facilities include: See section labeled “Connected Facilities”
neXus controllers and core software:
•A dedicated cloud hosted district-level neXus controller with the core neXus application for
aggregation of system events, district-wide visibility to system status, and alerts
•A dedicated neXus controller with the core neXus application in each connected facility,
designed for survivability and to limit traffic on the WAN
•Connected facilities include: See section labeled “Connected Facilities”
•Site specific license for the neXus core application to support integration, visibility, and
alerting at each connected facility
•Unlimited concurrent user licenses
•Active Directory integration for user authentication and security
•Software License and Maintenance Agreement for the first year after issuance of
certificate of warranty
•Four(4) additional years of Software License and Maintenance Agreement after expiration
of year one agreement
Integration Engine:
•The neXus controller and application leverage an open API to support unlimited third-party
integrations
•The integration engine aggregates inbound system events and applies business rules to
drive output actions.
•Connection licenses for integration with each of the following existing systems (already
installed and in use):
oRauland Telecenter U system
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 4
Scope (cont)
•Connection licenses for integration with each of the following new systems, which will be
provided and installed as a part of the neXus deployment: (name of breakout(s) if
applicable)
oEnvironmental monitoring by IPVideo, including 436 Halo Sensors
Data Warehouse:
•All system events are captured in a secure database
•Users may generate historical reports for analysis of events and notifications
Remote monitoring application:
•District wide license for the remote monitoring application
•Allows 24-7-365 active and real time monitoring of system health of the neXus platform
and connected systems
•Monitored points include all system controllers, any IP addressable field devices, and
various stored procedures and system services
•Active alerting of any detection of hardware or software issues or failures
oAlerts may be routed to district personnel and/or SWC service dispatch
Custom Configuration:
The following specific use cases will be configured as a part of the initial system deployment
•Vape detection in restroom will alert predetermined staff via text message or notification
through nexus app. SWC will provide 104 perpetual app licenses at no cost for a period of 5
years.
Needs Assessment/Training:
Needs Assessment/training credits are included as follows:
•Needs Assessment – 1 session
•Super user training – 45 sessions - one per facility
Network Data Cable and Switches:
• Provide and install CAT6 cable to each Halo device.
• Provide necessary connectors, patch panels, and patch cords for termination in existing IDF racks
• Provide Juniper EX4100-F-12P -12 port PoE switches for any devices in areas beyond 290ft from an
IDF closet. Copper uplinks will be used for these switches and no fiber is included in this price
Pricing utilizes TIPS contract number 230105.
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 5
Scope (cont)
Customer responsibilities:
•Provide SWC full access to the facility for planning & design & implementation during normal
business hours, unless specifically stated otherwise
•2U Rack Space and cable management in each IDF at each school.
•Provide and program POE switch ports in existing MDF/IDF locations-
•Program any PoE switches provided by SWC for devices in areas exceeding 290ft.
•Emergency power and/or UPS backup power is strongly recommended in all MDF/IDF locations
•Current and accurate floorplans in .dwg format for interactive map
•Any fees for software, hardware, or services provided or performed by third party
•If dedicated cloud hosting is utilized for district level oversight, open communication
(inbound and outbound) for port is required
•Dedicated IP addresses for SWC provided equipment. Assigned IP addresses must be able to
communicate with connected systems
•Remote Access to SWC neXus platform
•Execution of the Software Licensing and Maintenance Agreement
•Any required 110V power for new equipment
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 6
Scope (cont)
Connected Facilities:
High Schools-
1.Arabia Mountain High School
2.Cedar Grove High School
3.Chamblee Charter High School
4.Clarkston High School
5.Columbia High School
6.Cross Keys High School
7.DeKalb Alternative School
8.DeKalb Early College Academy
9.DeKalb High School of Technology - South
10.DeKalb High School of the Arts
11.Druid Hills High School
12.Dunwoody High School
13.Elizabeth Andrews High School
14.Lakeside High School
15.Lithonia High School
16.Margaret Harris Comprehensive School
17.Martin Luther King Junior High School
18.Miller Grove High School
19.Redan High School
20.Ronald E McNair Senior High School
21.Southwest DeKalb High School
22.Stephenson High School
23.Stone Mountain High School
24.Towers High School
25.Tucker High School
26.Warren Technical School
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 7
Pricing Summary
OFFER: In accordance with the Scope of Work and Terms and Conditions attached hereto,
SWC is pleased to offer this pricing, valid through 8/8/2025, for the following project:
DCSD- Dekalb County Middle and High
Schools Halo Systems REF #: 64583_EST_2
ESTIMATE GROUP TOTAL PRICE
HS Cabling
HS Halo System
HS Nexus
HS Halo Switches
HS Halo 5yr Sub
HS Nexus 5yr Sub
SUB-TOTAL: $1,647,443.27
TAX (EXEMPT): $0.00
DISCOUNT: $45,000.00
TOTAL: $1,602,443.27
Per my authority as an executing agent, please accept this as an intent to award and enter into a contractual agreement with SWC.
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 8
Bill of Materials
EST. GROUP - HS Cabling
Mfg Part Num Description Quantity
Mohawk M58288B Cat6 Plenum, Orange, 6P4P24-OR-P-MOH-APC 93.00
Panduit NKFP24Y 24 port MFP Patch Panel 220.00
Panduit NK2BXWH-A Panduit Netkey 2 Port Surface Mount Box 436.00
Lynn Elec CAT6PL-07-OR Patch Cable CAT6 Plenum 7ft Orange 436.00
Panduit NK688MOR CAT6 JACK-ORANGE 880.00
Panduit NKBMBL-X Black Blank Insert - 10 PACK 152.00
Graybar J-Hook J-Hooks & Hardware 7,380.00
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 9
EST. GROUP - HS Halo System
Mfg Part Num Description Quantity
Avigilon HALO-V3.00C-PC HALO Mulit IoT Sensor with People Counti 436.00
IPVideo HALO-SMADAPT Halo Surface Mount Adapter 436.00
Lynn Elec CAT6PL-35-OR Patch Cable CAT6 Plenum 35ft Orange 436.00
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 10
EST. GROUP - HS Nexus
Mfg Part Num Description Quantity
SWC Software neXus1 SWC neXus software site license 25.00
SWC Software neXus4 SWC neXus connection 25.00
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 11
EST. GROUP - HS Halo Switches
Mfg Part Num Description Quantity
MGT Impact EX4100-F-12P EX4100-F 12-Port Fanless 10/100/1000Base 8.00
Solutions LLC
MGT Impact EX4100-F-12- Rack Mount Kit for EX4100-F-12P and EX41 8.00
Solutions LLC RMK
SWC Misc-Cable Misc. Cable, Connectors and Consumables 3.00
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.
www.swc.net | 12
Terms & Conditions
Article A. Scope Includes:
Scope includes the following unless specifically modified by the written, project specific scope of work contained in this proposal.
1. Furnishing and installing wire and cable for systems listed. Installation and termination of field devices. Installation and
termination of head-end equipment in Equipment Rooms and MDF and IDF areas. Factory and field testing of equipment
and systems. Project management in coordination with SWC scope of work. Applicable Permit Fees.
2. Project Management services in coordination with SWC scope of work. Site Supervision during the installation of SWC scope
of work ONLY. As required; site conditions verification for SWC Scope of work ONLY.
3. The Project Schedule will be a mutually agreed upon document between the parties, including all revisions. Scope and price
are based on regular working hours Monday through Friday; any deviation, unless requested by SWC, may be cause for
additional compensation.
4. Final payment including will is remitted within 30 days of substantial completion of our scope of work regardless of the
status and nature of other trades and the overall project status. No Retainage to be withheld.
Article B. Scope Excludes:
Scope excludes the following unless specifically modified by the written, project specific scope of work contained in this proposal.
1. Service and circuit power requirements including final connections to all our electronic equipment. Server(s) and
workstation(s) hardware and Microsoft operating system. All demolition work, trenching, concrete work and finish painting.
Patching of concrete, tile, drywall or masonry, core drilling, sleeves and caulking with sealants.
2. Quote is based on SWC’s scope of work being performed during normal business hours Mon-Fri. Performance and Payment
Bond is available if required at 1% of total contract value to SWC. It is not included in our price. No Retainage to be withheld.
ARTICLE C. TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Term and Conditions are as follows unless specifically modified by the written, project specific scope of work contained in
this proposal.
1. All terms and conditions of the Master Agreement on file at the Purchasing Department will apply.
PROPOSAL ACCEPTANCE
By signing this Proposal, the Customer accepts this Proposal, enters into a Subcontract Agreement with SWC in the amount of
$1,602,443.27 and authorizes SWC (South Western Communications, Inc.) to commence with the noted Work of Proposal
64583_EST_2.
By:
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Customer Authorized Signature SWC Authorized Signature
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Printed Name Printed Name
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Title Title
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Acceptance Date Acceptance Date
SWC of Atlanta
blake.schindler@swc.net | 404.787.5420
sales@swc.net |
Confidential. Not to be shared without express written permission by SWC.