Star Community Newspaper / Rockwall, TX - 7/7/2008

In an effort to maintain high security standards, the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees has approved the purchase and installation of Raptor Technologies V-Soft visitor identification program, a new visitor tracking system that will be utilized at all campuses beginning in the fall of 2008.

With the new V-Soft system, campus visitors must present a valid state- or government-issued photo identification card to the school’s receptionist. Valid forms of identification include a driver’s license, state ID card, concealed handgun license, military ID, Mexico consulate ID and alien registration receipt cards.

The valid ID will be scanned into the V-Soft system and cross- referenced with a database to ensure that the visitor is not a registered sex offender. The system also checks for “private alert” information which has been entered by campus administration. This might include information such as issues relating to parental custodial cases.

Once completed, a visitor’s badge will be issued. Visitors must sign out when leaving the building. A visitor will need only to present the photo ID on the initial visit at each campus.

Following the first visit, a scan is complete using the name stored in memory before a pass is printed.

“We greatly value our parents, families, mentors and community volunteers,” said Sheri Fowler, RISD executive director of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing. “We are grateful that all those who visit our campuses understand our need to safeguard our students and our staff. It is our expectation that this new system will not hinder parents and volunteers, but add to the security of the school.” The system is designed to protect students by tracking all campus visitors, including parents, volunteers, vendors and contractors. Information pertaining to personal identification is protected and scanned through a secure site.

For more information, please visit the RISD website at www.rockwallisd.com or call the communications office at 972-771-0605.