AV and Security
Audio/Visual, Intercom, and Safety & Security Upgrades
About the Project
Seattle Public Schools is in the process of upgrading the audio/visual systems (A/V), replacing intercom systems, and making safety and security improvements in schools throughout the district.
A/V upgrades include repair or replacement of classroom electronic equipment that supports student learning, such as classroom and school sound systems, projectors, presentation station carts, whiteboards, and document cameras.
Intercoms will be replaced with new systems.
Safety and security improvements include:
- Districtwide Emergency Notification System (DWConnect)— the central Safety & Security Office will have the ability to secure multiple schools if there is an emergency.
- Access Control System — the school office or central Safety & Security can control door locks remotely (lock and unlock).
- New security cameras.
- Door and intrusion alarms.
- Card key readers and intercom systems at main entrance and other entrances identified.
Installing equipment for these improvements may include:
- Low-voltage and electrical changes and additions,
- Hazardous materials evaluation and abatement where necessary,
- Architecture considerations for buildings designated as landmarks,
- Necessary construction based on configurations needed for each school and classroom.
Funding
Funding for this work was included in the 2022 Buildings, Technology, and Academics Capital Levy (BTA V) and the 2025 Building Excellence Capital Levy (BEX VI). We expect to include additional phases in future capital levies.
Phase 1
Phase 1 construction began in early 2025 and is essentially complete.
- Rainier Beach High School
- Roosevelt High School
- TOPS K-8 (Seward)
- Kimball Elementary School
- James Baldwin Elementary School
- Montlake Elementary Schools
- Asa Mercer International Middle School
- John Rogers Elementary School
- Emerson Elementary School
- Sand Point Elementary School
- Pathfinder K-8 (Cooper)
- Madrona Elementary School
- Highland Park Elementary School
- Hawthorne Elementary School
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Elementary School (Brighton)
Phase 2
The second phase construction began in December and is expected to continue through January 2027.
| School or Building | Construction Start | Construction Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Sealth High School (not including portables) | December 2025 | April 2026 |
| Denny International Middle School (not including portables) | December 2025 | April 2026 |
| Dunlap Elementary School | December 2025 | March 2026 |
| Garfield High School | January 2026 | June 2026 |
| Interagency at Queen Anne Gym | January 2026 | April 2026 |
| Interagency at Columbia | February 2026 | May 2026 |
| Concord International Elementary School | March 2026 | June 2026 |
| South Shore PreK-8 School | March 2026 | July 2026 |
| Alan T. Sugiyama High School | May 2026 | August 2026 |
| Van Asselt School (1950 building only) | June 2026 | September 2026 |
| Rainier View Elementary School | June 2026 | September 2026 |
| Maple Elementary School | July 2026 | October 2026 |
| Bailey Gatzert Elementary School | August 2026 | November 2026 |
| Dearborn Park International Elementary School | September 2026 | December 2026 |
| Graham Hill Elementary School | October 2026 | January 2027 |
Phase 3
Phase 3 projects are scheduled to start in November 2026 and continue through December 2027.
| School or Building | Construction Start | Construction Finish |
|---|---|---|
| John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence | November 2026 | March 2027 |
| Thurgood Marshall Elementary School | December 2026 | March 2027 |
| John Muir Elementary School | January 2027 | April 2027 |
| Olympic View Elementary School | February 2027 | May 2027 |
| Rising Star Elementary School | March 2027 | June 2027 |
| Broadview-Thomson K-8 School | April 2027 | August 2027 |
| Madison Middle School | May 2027 | August 2027 |
| McDonald International Elementary School | June 2027 | August 2027 |
| Beacon Hill International Elementary School | June 2027 | September 2027 |
| Leschi Elementary School | July 2027 | October 2027 |
| Lawton Elementary School | August 2027 | November 2027 |
| Gatewood Elementary School | September 2027 | December 2027 |
FAQ
Will every school be upgraded?
The goal is to cover all schools. Funding has been allocated for phases 1-3. Additional phases are expected to be included in future capital levies. The next capital levy is expected to go to voters in February 2028.
When will my classroom and school be done?
The initial scope of phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are shown above.
How will we be notified if work is being done at our school?
The project team will communicate with your principal and ask that the information be shared with all staff.
What is the impact of A/V installation on my room and my teaching?
Modifications may be made to the projectors, screens, sound systems, and whiteboards in your classrooms. Protective coverings will be placed over works in progress.
Continuity of existing equipment:
- Each space will maintain a computer connection to the existing speakers.
- Temporary solutions will be offered for whiteboards and projectors.
Working Hours:
- Installation and construction (as needed) will be conducted after school hours to minimize disruption.
What training options will I have for new equipment?
Instructions will be available on-site and on a future website. Most new equipment will retain similar core functionality in comparison to existing equipment.
What has the experience been like at other schools?
Comments from Schools in Phase 1
“Over the summer of 2025, Hawthorne started our A/V, intercom, and security upgrades. My experience with the contractors and the SPS team was excellent! Everyone communicated effectively, scheduled around school times, and kept materials and educational spaces clean once students returned in the fall. The leads were friendly and became part of our school community. I was glad when all the installations were completed, but sad to see the incredible team go. I had no complaints, and the teachers are pleased with their new classroom setups!”
— Elizabeth Flavors, Principal, Hawthorne Elementary School
“Our new AV equipment has made a powerful impact on our school community. The Telecor system has been a major advancement, allowing us to communicate clearly and effectively in every part of the building, ensuring messages are heard and understood by all. In the classrooms, the new interactive whiteboards have been a true game changer. Students are more engaged, lessons are more dynamic, and staff are using the editing and interactive features to enhance collaboration and deepen learning. We are also incredibly appreciative of the cameras that have been installed throughout our community. These additions have strengthened safety, increased peace of mind, and further support a secure and well-connected learning environment for students, staff, and families.”
— Regina Carter, Principal, Madrona Elementary School
“(The contractors) were so wonderful to work with. They worked around our school schedules and were responsive to the needs of our school and building while getting the work completed. They met regularly with me in order to go over schedules/events and to prioritize needs. The contractors also set up their work station in a way that it was not in the way or unsafe for regular access to our students, staff and families. Overall, it was a good experience for our staff as the capital projects updates will increase safety and greater access for our students and staff.”
— Daxa Thomas, Principal, Pathfinder K-8
Project Team
Project Manager: David L. Jackson, dljackson2@seattleschools.org 206-252-0674
Design-Build Owner Advisor: Turner & Townsend Heery
Design-Build Firm: Valley Electric
Our Mission
To enhance the learning experience and safety of all K-12 students by integrating state-of-the-art audio-visual, intercom and security solutions across Seattle Public Schools. Through collaboration with SPS, trusted contractors, and expert vendors, we are committed to delivering high-quality, future-ready technology that fosters interactive learning, ensures a secure environment, and aligns with SPS standards of excellence.
Our Values
Teamwork/Collaboration/Communications/Service We will work together as “One Team” to foster a communicative and collaborative working environment.
Honest/Integrity/Trust/Respect We will be respectful of each other and will incorporate a high level of honesty, integrity, trust to build positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
Effectiveness/Competence/Simplicity/Quality/Growth We are committed to effectively and competently delivering simple to understand solutions with the highest quality and greatest capacity for growth and longevity.
Happiness/Satisfaction/Security Deliver a system that meets the SPS mission statement.
Contact
For questions or comments about this work, please use our online Let’s Talk form.