The Danville District 118 School Board has voted to improve security at two schools. Visitors at Danville High School and North Ridge Middle School will be required to show their driver’s license or state identification card as they sign-in. A new Raptor Visitor Identification System being installed at the schools will check the ID against the sex-offender data base.
The system will produce a badge with the visitor’s picture on it. The badge will also contain information about where the visitor is going. ‘’You’ll know if somebody is missing a badge something’s wrong,’’ said Heather Smith of the District 118 Safety Committee.
Smith also said other data bases can be added to be checked, such as custody battles and people that are banned from the schools. ‘’But it’s just a way of keeping our staff and students safe from any situations that could come about,’’ she added.
The cost is $4,818 for the machines, plus badges will cost the district $50 for four rolls of 300 badges.
Superintendent Alicia Geddis said there are no plans to use the system to check large crowds – such as those attending sporting events.
Board member Lon Henderson wondered whether asking for the ID’s might be considered discrimination since it is considered that way at polling places.
‘’I think it’s a great idea that they get screened,’’ added board member Dr. Randal Ashton.
Other schools may be added to the system later.
The board voted 7-0 in favor of installing the system. Superintendent Geddis says they hope to have the system operational when the new school year begins in August.
