MDUSD is upgrading to a VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system

In partnership, MDUSD’s Information Technology (IT) and Maintenance, Operations and Facilities (MOF) departments are upgrading the District’s phone system to VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol. 

What is VoIP? A VoIP phone system is a way to make phone calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Instead of your voice traveling over old copper wires in landline phones, it gets turned into digital signals and sent over the internet—just like an email or video call.

Why are we making these upgrades? We are making these upgrades as part of our Technology Infrastructure Improvements, as well as in conjunction with other construction projects, such as the Elementary Modernization at Meadow Homes, Mt. Diablo and Rio Vista elementary schools. 

How will this improve MDUSD phone service districtwide? Upgrading to a VoIP phone system improves a school district’s phone system in several key ways—especially when compared to traditional landlines. 

1. Cost Savings

• Lower monthly bills: Internet-based calls are cheaper, especially for long distance.
• No need for separate phone lines: Uses your existing internet connection.
• Free internal calling: Call between schools or departments at no extra cost.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

• Easily add or move phones—no rewiring needed.
• Works on desktop phones, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
• Great for staff working from multiple campuses.

3. Advanced Features

• VoIP systems come with features that traditional systems often lack or charge extra for:
• Voicemail to email or text
• Auto-attendant/menu system (e.g., "Press 1 for attendance")
• Call forwarding, routing, and transfers
• Call logs and usage reports
• Paging, intercom, and emergency broadcasts

4. Improved Communication and Collaboration

• Unified communications: Phone, video, messaging, and screen sharing in one system.
• Teachers and administrative staff can collaborate more easily, even across schools.
• Support for hybrid and remote learning environments.

5. Better Emergency Handling

• E911 services: VoIP can send exact room/location data to first responders.
• Alert systems can notify key staff instantly when 911 is dialed.
• Supports lockdown procedures with broadcast paging or emergency alerts.

6. Easier Management

• IT can manage the entire system via a web-based dashboard.
• No need to call the phone company to reassign extensions or fix issues.\Monitor call quality, uptime, and user activity in real time.

7. Future-Proof and Reliable

• Landline service is being phased out in many areas (including California).
• VoIP is cloud-based, always up to date, and supports redundancy for outages.
• Integration with other systems (like school bells, calendars) is possible.

Sites with VOIP: Mt. Diablo Elementary, Meadow Homes Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary, Silverwood Elementary, and Willow Creek Center
Note: Extensions at Willow Creek Center have changed from 4-digits to 5-digits, adding a “0” after the x62. For example, the Enrollment Center’s previous extension x6250 is now x62050.
If calling from an outside line or cell phone, call 925-685-1011 and listen to the prompts.
For staff only: If you are calling from a district site that has not had their phones updated, call Ext. 4934 (WCC central line) then Ext. 620XX - (you will be directed to the auto attendant). If you are at a school site with VoIP (Meadow Homes Elem., Mt. Diablo Elem., Rio Vista Elem, and Silverwood Elem.) you can call the new direct 5-digit (Ext. 620XX) extension.

Sites with upcoming VOIP (next several weeks/into early summer): Loma Vista and Northgate HS, Wren Avenue Elementary, Gregory Gardens Elementary and Ayers Elementary

Sites with upcoming VOIP (Fall): Dent (District Office), Central Services (M&O, Food & Nutrition Services, Purchasing & Warehouse, Transportation)

Early 2026: Sun Terrace Elementary and Hidden Valley Elementary

New sites will continue to be added as network upgrades continue.
District phone directories will be updated as sites are transitioned to VoIP.