1. The Big Picture

Alyssa’s Law is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the safety infrastructure of K-12 institutions. In Texas, the law was enacted via Senate Bill 838 (88th R.S.), also referred to by some sources as paired with House Bill 669. 

Under SB 838:

• Every public school district and open-enrollment charter school in Texas must provide silent panic alert technology in each classroom. Texas Legislative Online+1

• The silent panic alert system must allow immediate contact with the school’s or district’s emergency services, as well as local law enforcement, fire, and health departments. Texas School Safety Center+1

• Implementation begins with the 2025-2026 school year. Texas Legislative Online+1

2. Why This Matters for Texas Schools

• Faster response times: Silent alerts allow staff to summon help discreetly, without alerting a potential intruder or creating mass panic. Make Our Schools Safe

• Compliance imperative: Failure to comply by the 2025-2026 deadline could expose districts to legal, financial, and reputational risk. Network Cabling Services+1

• Funding and procurement options: Schools can use the school safety allotment (per Texas Education Code § 48.115) or other available funds to comply, and may follow customary procurement processes. Texas School Safety Center+1

3. Key Requirements Texas Schools Should Plan For

4. Implications for School IT & Safety Leaders

• Technology evaluation: Look beyond simple panic buttons—evaluate systems that integrate with existing communications, mass-notification, digital signage, and networked devices.

• Integration with campus systems: Silent alert is one layer. Effective systems often tie into audio-visual, access control, surveillance, and mass-notification platforms.

• Procurement path: Schools should develop their procurement strategy now to avoid rush-install this fall. Consider vendor selection, infrastructure readiness, training, and testing.

• Budget planning and funding: Leverage school safety allotment, grants, or other funds. Document budget/resourcing now so implementation isn’t rushed.

• Training and policy: A technology is only as good as the people using it. Staff training, regular drills, and clear responsibility matrices are critical.

5. How Teksys Can Help

At Teksys, we’ve been working with Texas K-12 and Higher Ed institutions for years on communications, network audio/visual, and security-adjacent infrastructure (while noting we do not provide cybersecurity or asset-management solutions).

Here’s how we support your Alyssa’s Law compliance roadmap:

• We help design silent panic alert systems that integrate with your broader campus infrastructure (audio, display, notification).

• We guide you through the procurement process under the Texas DIR contract (DIR‑CPO‑5287) when eligible, streamlining procurement and reducing administrative burden.

• We assist in pilot planning, installation phasing (classroom-by-classroom or building-by-building), infrastructure verification (network, PoE, display/strobe), and training for staff.

• We provide vendor/technology alignment (such as audio/visual/network display devices that supplement panic alert technologies)—helping you get more value and flexibility in your investment.

6. Next Steps for Your District

1. Conduct an audit of current classroom alert/notification capability.

2. Identify infrastructure gaps: network readiness, displays, speakers, strobe/visual devices, mass-notification integration.

3. Select alert-system technology: ensure it meets Texas law’s direct-connect requirement and integrates with your workflows.

4. Create a rollout plan: pilot a wing or building, then scale. Include training, testing, and policy updates.

5. Document your funding strategy: specify how you’ll use allotment/school-safety funds, timeline, vendor procurement, and deployment.

6. Partner with experts: outsource vendor-assessment, installation, integration, and training to reduce internal burden.

Compliance with Alyssa’s Law isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategic opportunity to elevate your campus safety, integrate modern communications, and future-proof your notification systems. If you’re a School IT Manager, Safety Director, or member of your district’s procurement team, now is the time to plan. Reach out to Teksys today and let us partner with you to implement a modern, compliant solution.

📄 Download the full Texas law text (SB 838)
Note: While the above link points to our product datasheet for convenience, please refer to the official bill text for detailed legal language.

Modern communication. Faster alerts. Safer campuses.

When seconds matter, schools need more than a traditional PA system. They need smart, connected, and responsive technology — and that’s exactly what the new AXIS C1720 Network Display Speaker delivers.

Built to handle everything from everyday announcements to critical safety alerts, the C1720 combines audio, visual, and analytical intelligence in one powerful unit — helping IT and security managers modernize communication across the entire campus.

🧠 What Makes the AXIS C1720 Different

The C1720 isn’t just another speaker. It’s a dual-sided, network-connected, 3-in-1 safety and communication system that unifies a high-output speaker, bright RGBW strobe bar, and full-color LCD text display into one sleek unit.

Key Highlights:

• Dual speakers and displays for full hallway coverage.

• Strobe and text display that grab attention in noisy or crowded spaces.

• Full-duplex two-way audio with built-in echo cancellation.

• Remote health monitoring and auto speaker testing — verify device performance from anywhere.

• Audio prioritization and zoning — urgent alerts override regular announcements.

• Open integration platform (ACAP & SIP) for mass notification, VoIP, and video management systems.

• Single-cable (PoE) installation with wall or ceiling mount options.

• Built-in motion sensor (PIR) for smart automation and event triggers.

🔐 Smarter Security with Built-In Audio Analytics

The AXIS C1720 also supports advanced audio analytics applications that can automatically detect critical sounds such as:

• 🧍‍♂️ Aggression or raised voices – early detection of confrontations or bullying in hallways.

• 💥 Glass break – immediate alert of vandalism or forced entry.

• 🚨 Gunshot or distress sounds – enabling faster emergency response.

These analytics run directly on the device, leveraging the Axis Camera Application Platform (ACAP) for on-edge processing. This means your school can integrate real-time detection and response capabilities without relying on external servers — a huge advantage for budget-conscious IT teams and those prioritizing data privacy.

🏫 Ideal Applications for K-12 and Higher Education

• Hallways & corridors: Dual-sided coverage ensures visibility and audibility in both directions.

• Entrances & vestibules: Combine audio messages, strobe lights, and analytics for proactive deterrence.

• Cafeterias & gyms: Broadcast clear messages over ambient noise.

• Classrooms & admin areas: Integrate with VoIP or mass-notification systems for targeted announcements.

• Outdoor covered areas: IP40-rated enclosure provides reliable performance in semi-exposed spaces.

🧩 Seamless Integration with Existing School Systems

The C1720 works with industry-standard notification platforms like Singlewire InformaCast®, Intrado Revolution®, Lynx Systems®, and Alertus®, as well as SIP-based VoIP systems (Zoom, Webex, Avaya, Cisco, and more).

It’s also compatible with Genetec Security Center, Axis Camera Station, and other VMS systems — making it a perfect fit for integrated campus security environments.

⚙️ Teksys + DIR Contract = The Smarter Way to Procure

Through the Texas DIR Contract (DIR-CPO-5287), Texas public schools, universities, and government agencies can procure Axis solutions like the C1720 easily and compliantly.

By purchasing through Teksys under DIR, schools can:

• ✅ Skip lengthy RFP processes.

• ✅ Ensure competitive, state-approved pricing.

• ✅ Gain access to expert design and installation from certified professionals.

• ✅ Combine this with Axis cameras, analytics, and network audio under one unified platform.

Teksys has proudly delivered advanced Axis solutions to Texas institutions helping them enhance safety, communication, and operational awareness.

💡 Why Act Now

From aggression detection to real-time alerts, the AXIS C1720 represents a leap forward in school safety technology. With funding opportunities and simplified procurement through DIR, now is the ideal time to modernize your campus communications infrastructure.

Let’s build a safer, smarter, and more connected learning environment — together.

👋 Ready to Learn More?
Contact Teksys, Inc. to discuss how the AXIS C1720 Network Display Speaker can integrate into your school’s existing systems and how to purchase through DIR-CPO-5287.

📞 Contact Teksys | 🌐 www.teksys.com

How Cloud-Enabled Security Is Transforming Public Safety for Schools and Municipalities

Public safety today demands more than just cameras and connectivity — it requires real-time intelligence, collaboration across departments, and the ability to respond faster when every second counts.

For police departments, city IT teams, and school districts, the challenge has always been the same:

• Multiple facilities spread across wide areas

• Limited budgets for infrastructure upgrades

• Unreliable connectivity between remote sites

• Growing demands for secure access to video evidence

That’s where Genetec Security Center SaaS changes the game.

1️⃣ Unified Security, Simplified Deployment

Genetec SaaS brings together video surveillance, access control, and cloud connectivity in one secure platform. Whether you manage a police headquarters, city hall, or a K-12 campus, you can view and manage all sites from a single pane of glass.

No more juggling multiple logins or complex VPNs. The cloud-native design allows agencies and schools to deploy new locations or add devices without building expensive local servers — making it faster, simpler, and more cost-effective to scale.

2️⃣ Resilience When Connectivity Fails

Public safety can’t stop when the internet drops.
Genetec SaaS — combined with Genetec Cloudlink appliances — keeps video and data recording operational even when the connection to the cloud is lost.

This hybrid approach ensures:

• Local recording continuity during outages

• Automatic synchronization once connectivity is restored

• No compromise between video quality and bandwidth

For police departments and schools in rural areas or with unreliable networks, that’s true peace of mind.

3️⃣ Secure, Compliant, and Always Up to Date

Cyber threats don’t take days off — and neither does Genetec SaaS.
Built on Microsoft Azure and backed by Genetec’s rigorous cybersecurity framework, the system ensures:

• Encrypted communications end-to-end

• Multi-factor authentication and access controls

• Automatic updates and patch management

This helps agencies and schools meet compliance standards without relying on already-stretched IT resources.

4️⃣ Scalable for Every Budget and Mission

Whether you’re protecting a small district police department or a large municipal network, Genetec SaaS adapts to your needs.
Start with a few cameras or doors — and expand seamlessly as funding or priorities evolve.

The subscription model eliminates large upfront costs and simplifies budgeting, making it easier for public agencies to modernize their systems while staying within procurement guidelines (like the Texas DIR Contract DIR-CPO-5287, available through Teksys).

5️⃣ Faster Evidence Sharing and Collaboration

When incidents occur, speed and coordination are critical.
Genetec SaaS enables secure, web-based sharing of video evidence with investigators, school administrators, or emergency response teams — from anywhere, on any device.

No more downloading large files or couriering USB drives — authorized personnel can access what they need instantly, improving both investigation time and inter-agency cooperation.

The Future of Public Safety Is Connected — and It’s Here

As cities and schools face increasing safety and connectivity challenges, Genetec SaaS delivers a smarter, more resilient way forward. It unites surveillance, access control, and analytics in the cloud — empowering your teams to act faster, work smarter, and keep your community safe.

Ready to Modernize Your Public Safety Infrastructure?

At Teksys, we help Texas municipalities, police departments, and schools design and deploy scalable, cloud-ready Genetec solutions that enhance safety and simplify operations.

👉 Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.teksys.com/contact-us

Transforming Houston’s East End: How Teksys and Partners Are Powering Public Safety at Harrisburg Plaza

Houston’s historic East End is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once known primarily as an industrial and commercial hub, this community is evolving into a vibrant residential neighborhood — and with growth comes new challenges in safety, mobility, and infrastructure.

At Teksys, we’re proud to partner with the East End District and trusted technology providers to deliver a forward-looking public safety ecosystem at Harrisburg Plaza. This deployment is more than cameras and radios — it’s about creating safer streets, stronger connections, and a higher quality of life for the community.

The Challenge

As the East End shifted toward residential development, longstanding infrastructure challenges became increasingly urgent:

• Narrow streets and poor intersection visibility raised safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

• Increased transit activity led to more congestion, loitering, and petty crime.

• With limited space for wired infrastructure and no backhaul locations, the district needed a resilient wireless system to tie everything together.

Adding to the complexity, the RF spectrum in the area is congested by METRO Light Rail and local commercial traffic — making interference resistance a must.

The Solution

Working hand-in-hand with Altowav, the East End District, and other trusted partners, Teksys designed and delivered a multi-layered solution that balances performance, reliability, and scalability.

Key components include:

• 16 Altowav K60 60GHz radios — providing high-bandwidth, interference-resistant wireless connectivity.

• Bosch and Hanwha video analytics — monitoring traffic, pedestrian safety, and community activity in real time.

• EAGL gunshot detection sensors — adding an extra layer of proactive safety.

• Genetec Security Center — serving as the unified platform for management and response.

The Impact

The system went live on April 4, 2025, and the results were immediate:

• 🚓 Faster emergency response times

• 🚶 Improved pedestrian and cyclist safety

• 👮 Valuable support for police investigations

• 🏙️ Stronger business engagement and community satisfaction

As our CEO David Madrigal put it:

“Deploying this solution in the East End District wasn’t just about adding cameras or infrastructure — it was about taking a proactive step toward real community impact. With Altowav’s support and technology, we’ve helped create a safer environment for residents and businesses, improved emergency response, and brought a renewed sense of security to an area in transition.”

National Recognition

The Harrisburg Plaza project has already drawn national attention. In January 2025, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded $3.4 million to support the East End Triangle R.A.I.L.S. Plan, directly complementing smart safety deployments like this one. Houston’s major news outlets — including Fox 26, KHOU 11, and Click2Houston — have highlighted the district’s leadership in public safety and rail safety innovation.

What’s Next

The success at Harrisburg Plaza is only the beginning. Teksys and the East End District are already planning expansion to Navigation Blvd Esplanade, further building out the district’s smart infrastructure roadmap. With scalable technology and trusted partnerships, the East End is becoming a model for how communities can use technology to enhance safety and quality of life.

About Teksys

At Teksys, Inc., we believe technology should empower communities. As a trusted partner for cities, schools, and enterprises across Texas, we deliver advanced connectivity and physical security solutions that make a real difference. From high-performance wireless backhaul to AI-driven safety ecosystems, we’re committed to helping our customers build smarter, safer, and stronger communities.

👉 Learn more about our public safety solutions: Contact Us