EPS to Upgrade Phone Service

  Enid Public Schools is adopting a new phone system, which will result in improved customer service and new telephone numbers. The change is expected to save the district tens of thousands of dollars annually when fully implemented at every school.

  The transition will impact four sites this year: Central Office, Monroe Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School and Emerson Middle School. The district plans to upgrade phone service at all school sites within the next few years, pending funding opportunities.

  The new numbers will be effective August 2; however, callers will have one month to call either the new number or the old number to reach school officials.

The voice-over-internet system will include voice mail and staff directory options; however, the main line will still be answered by a school employee during regular business hours. Callers will also be able to leave messages in the evening or on weekends.

  According to Amber Graham Fitzgerald, Director of School & Community Relations, this combination should allow the district to provide members of the public with even better customer service.

  “Callers will still have the opportunity to speak directly with someone, not just a machine,” Fitzgerald said. “If the appropriate school official is not available, the caller can leave a message detailing their questions or concerns. We can then return the call with all of the information that they need.”

  EPS has reserved 2,000 telephone numbers in order to fully implement the system. Immediate changes include: Central Office, 580-366-7000; Monroe, 580-366-7500; McKinley, 580-366-7375; and Emerson, 580-366-7250. The upgrade will not affect fax numbers at this time.

  The cost for the new system will be paid for primarily by E-rate, a federal program that assists schools across the country with technology purchases. EPS will only be required to pay 21% of the fee.

  The system uses the district’s computer network to make phone calls, so traditional phone lines will not be needed. District officials estimate that this will eventually save the district more than $50,000 annually, while providing 1,000 more lines than the previous system.

  “It’s really win-win,” Fitzgerald said. “We can have better equipment, be more efficient and provide better service, while at the same time saving money. It is a good move for the district, for taxpayers and for those who call our schools each day.”