Gwynne Valley Rural Academy Charter School

Project Profile

Complete Low-Voltage & Security Installation

When Gwynne Valley Rural Academy was preparing to open its doors, the building had outdated security and cameras, so we removed them and started with a blank canvas.

They needed more than equipment; they needed a fully functional school. MCN Security was brought in to handle all low-voltage systems from start to finish. 

Understanding What a School Actually Needs

Schools are not typical commercial buildings. They’re high-traffic environments with students, staff, visitors, deliveries, after-hours events, and evolving technology demands.

From the outset, the priorities were clear:

• Secure the perimeter

• Control who can access which areas

• Provide reliable WiFi across the entire building

• Install paging and phone systems that staff can depend on

• Build infrastructure that would support expansion in the future

Instead of splitting this across multiple vendors, the school chose MCN Security to design and install everything so the systems would work together from day one.

What We Installed

Access Control

We installed credential-based readers on key exterior and interior doors, giving administration full control over who can enter and when.

If a card is lost, it can be shut off instantly. If a staff member changes roles, access can be adjusted in minutes.

The system was designed so that adding additional doors later is simple.

Security Cameras

We deployed IP cameras to cover:

• Main entrances

• Secondary entry points

• Parking areas

• Exterior perimeter

  
  

The goal wasn’t just coverage, but clarity. We also wanted ease of access to administrators could review footage quickly and reliably when needed.

Video Doorbell & Visitor Entry Control

We installed a video doorbell system at the main entrance to allow office staff to visually verify visitors before granting access. When someone arrives, office administrators can see and speak with the visitor in real time directly from the main office. Entry can then be unlocked remotely for authorized visitors.

This adds an important layer of security by preventing unauthorized access while still keeping the front office workflow efficient and manageable.

Intrusion System

An intrusion system was installed to protect the building after hours. Schools often host events and community programming, so the system allows for flexibility without compromising security. 

Network & WiFi Infrastructure

We installed structured Cat6 cabling throughout the building to support:

• Wireless access points

• Cameras

• Access control

• VoIP phones

• Classroom and administrative data needs

WiFi access points were placed strategically to avoid dead zones and bandwidth issues, which is especially important in classrooms where connectivity directly impacts instruction. 

Paging & Phones

We installed integrated paging and VoIP phone systems so staff can:

• Make school-wide announcements

• Communicate classroom to classroom

• Coordinate during emergencies

• Stay connected without relying on personal devices

Everything runs over the same engineered network infrastructure.

Why Integration Matters

A common mistake in new builds is treating security, networking, phones, and paging as separate projects. That approach often leads to compatibility issues and finger-pointing between vendors.

For this project, everything was designed and installed as one system.

One plan.One install team.One point of accountability.

That makes future maintenance easier and ensures the school isn’t managing multiple contractors for interconnected systems. 

The Result

By completion, Gwynne Valley Rural Academy had:

• Controlled entry points

• Full exterior camera coverage

• Reliable building-wide WiFi

• Integrated communication systems

• A scalable infrastructure ready for additional buildings

Most importantly, they opened with systems that was ready to perform. 

Built for Growth

From the beginning, the system was designed for expansion.

Adding doors or cameras is straightforward.Expanding into additional buildings can be integrated into the existing backbone without starting over.

That was intentional. Schools grow. Infrastructure should be ready for it. 

What This Means for School Boards

This project reflects how MCN Security approaches educational facilities:

We don’t just install equipment.We build the operational foundation a school depends on every day.

When a school works with MCN, they get:

• A contractor who understands how schools function

• Systems designed to work together

• Clear accountability

• Infrastructure that supports long-term growth

  
  

At the end of the day, safety and reliability aren’t optional in a school environment. They’re expected. Our job is to make sure the technology behind the walls supports that expectation; quietly, reliably, and long term.

If you're looking for ways to increase security at your school or commercial property, check out our post on school security.

 We’re offering schools a complimentary on-site walk-through to help identify perimeter weaknesses, review entry points, and assess how current systems are performing. It’s a straightforward, practical assessment designed to give administrators and facilities teams a clear picture of where improvements can be made to better protect students and staff. Contact us to learn more.