News and Information

Cameron ISD installing new computer software to protect students against sexual predators
KCEN-TV, Eddy, Texas

Jul 26, 2007 – The Cameron School District is installing a new computer program to try to protect students from child predators.

The new software will scan visitor's driver’s licenses or I.D. cards, and run a check to see if they're sex offenders.

August 27th is the first day of school at Cameron ISD, and it will mark the first day for a new program to detect sex offenders trying to get into the district.

"V-Soft is a web based software application that is used to aid educational facilities in tracking their visitors, students, staff and volunteers, and help control campus security," Cameron ISD Superintendent Rodney Sausett said.

V-Soft will scan any state or federal I.D. to check if the individual is a registered sex offender.

If you pass the scan, you'll be allowed in the school, but if you fail, police will be notified.

The new high school principal used the program in his old district and while initially there was some hesitation, the program was eventually accepted.

"I’ve had parents before who came in and were nervous about scanning their driver's license.

I was a little nervous about scanning it myself, and I realized it wasn't to check anything on anyone's background other than the sexual assault," Principal Tommy Hooker said.

There are already 120 districts in Texas that use V-Soft, and Cameron parents said they're just glad their children will be protected with the program.

"Whatever they can do to be proactive that's the way to go these days. I mean, it's always better to be safe than sorry," parent Misty Green said.

The Houston based software costs $7,000 but the district received the Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant that will cover half the cost.

The Cameron School District is one of the first districts in Central Texas to use the program.

The Burnet, Marble Falls and Taylor school districts also have the program.