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Classrooms Connected: How ESI Modernized Communications for 20 Schools in Just One Week

Smiling Asian Teacher Using a Phone App

Industry

Education

Challenge

GSSD needed to modernize communications across 20 schools, but lacked internal resources to implement a new system while resolving noise and network issues. Their previous provider offered little support.

Results

ESI and Lighthouse Telecom deployed 800+ phones in one week, providing clear audio, intuitive features, and full mobile access. The district is now connected, resilient, and able to serve staff and families more effectively.

Key Benefits

Significant Savings, Mobile Apps, Desktop Phones, Easy Call Handling, Remote Administration, High Reliability, U.S.-based Support, Scalability, Built-in Redundancy, Hardware Warranty

www.gscs.org
800+
Cloud Seats
20
Locations
Scholars in caps

Customer Profile:

The Griffin-Spalding School District (GSSD) serves East Griffin, Experiment, Griffin, Orchard Hill, and Sunny Side communities in Spalding County, Georgia. With 20 facilities—including 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, and multiple administrative buildings—GSSD is committed to fostering student success through excellent teaching and reliable district-wide operations.

ESI Certified Partner:

Lighthouse Communications

The Rock, Georgia
(706) 648-0001

The Challenge

GSSD’s previous phone system was outdated and lacked the flexibility needed for a district spread across so many locations.

They faced:

  • Service and billing issues with their existing provider, causing delays and inefficiencies.
  • Limited technical expertise in-house to implement a large-scale communications upgrade.
  • No centralized call handling for heavy call volumes, leading to missed or delayed responses.
  • Outdated features, making it difficult to adapt to seasonal schedules or emergencies.
  • Noise issues on certain lines that required cooperation between the district, ISP, and phone vendor to resolve.

The district needed a modern, unified cloud-based solution that could handle high call volumes, ensure reliable communication during emergencies, and be implemented quickly across all locations.

The Solution

ESI, working with Lighthouse Telecom Inc., deployed the ESI eCloud PBX™ to modernize GSSD’s communications in record time.

Key solution highlights included:

  • Rapid installation of more than 800 phones across all 20 district locations in just one week.
  • Network troubleshooting to resolve line noise issues in collaboration with the district’s ISP.
  • Flexible call handling with live reception at main campuses and auto attendants at satellite locations.
  • Backup answering positions to ensure all calls are handled promptly during heavy call volume.
  • Mobile app adoption by staff who are rarely at their desks, ensuring no missed calls.
  • Call recording capabilities for main buildings, with the option to record calls on demand.
  • Seasonal call routing flexibility to adapt during summer or holiday schedules.
  • Voicemail transcription so messages can be reviewed via email without logging into a mailbox.

The Results

The transition to ESI’s eCloud PBX™ brought significant improvements to district-wide communication.

Key Benefits:

  • Seamless district-wide connectivity between all campuses and administrative buildings.
  • Fast installation with minimal disruption to operations.
  • Improved reliability and call quality, even during peak call times.
  • Greater flexibility in call routing and seasonal scheduling.
  • Mobility features ensuring staff remain reachable anywhere.
  • Ease of administration with intuitive user portals and training provided to district staff.
  • Peace of mind with U.S.-based support and built-in disaster recovery.