This is a news report from NBC Bay Area (9/15/2012) that talks about this issue and the challenges faced.
You may view the full news report and more videos at nbcbayarea.com.
Menlo Park Fire District Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman stressed that not having such an electronic alarm when no one is there - especially when fires spark during off school hours - can be detrimental. This was evidenced, he pointed out, during the 3:45 a.m. fire Thursday at the private, nonprofit Beechwood Elementary on Terminal Avenue.
"If we knew there was a problem," Schapelhouman said, "we can respond and arrive more quickly."