2012 story: Clint ISD approves new ID verification security system

The Clint Independent School District has considered strengthening its campus security for over a year.But after the deadly shooting in Connecticut last week, the item has become high priority, leading them to approve an ID verification system Wednesday evening.

The Clint ISD Board meeting began with a moment of silence, honoring the children in Newtown, Connecticut, killed by a visitor.

The shooter, Adam Lanza, didn’t have an outstanding criminal record, but Clint board members say an ID verification system can stop unwelcome visitors that do. Starting next year, people visiting any of Clint’s 11 campuses or any administration building, will have to present a state ID. Campus security would run their name and get a state and federal background check. And if that person has any major crime on their record, be will not allowed on campus. Period.

“What we’re trying to do is make sure that is anytime anyone comes on our campus we can verify that number one who they are, what their background is so that we don’t expose the students or our employees to anyone that may be dangerous, that may have a background and doesn’t belong on our campuses,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Morris Aldridge.

People prohibited would be sex offenders and felons with serious charges. Those admitted would receive a badge with their name and date on it. Superintendent Dr. Edward Gabaldon says this won’t guarantee against a tragedy like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary, but it gives Clint an extra shield of defense.

“Every single safeguard we can put out there we believe will make our school safer,” Gabaldon. “We’re continuing to remind our administrators on the campus to remain ever vigilant, especially at this time.”

The board hasn’t chosen a specific security system yet, but intend on implementing plans similar to schools throughout the state. They estimate it will cost the district $40,000 — a small price to pay for preventing needless tragedies.