EPISD to install new security system

The El Paso Independent School District is beefing up security to keep sex offenders away from its children. A new electronic system to keep tabs on visitors is almost complete at all 96 EPISD campuses.

It’s called an electronic visitor management system and it’s expected to start working by the end of the month.

“I know that kind of stuff everywhere, but if the school is in charge, it’s a relief,” Mayra Diaz, a Mesita Elementary School parent said.

Diaz and other parents say they do everything in their power to keep their children safe.

“Schools are probably a prime target for sex offenders,” Lisa Magnano-Craig said.

And they say schools do too, but there’s always room for improvement.

“If you go to the office, they don’t know who is coming in, because they’re just going asking for permission, they’re not their background or anything,” Gaby Estrada said.

And that’s exactly why the El Paso Independent School District is opting for the electronic visitor management system by Raptor Technologies.

“We want our visitors at the campus accounted for, so that we can ensure the safety and security of our kids, that’s the most important thing,” Manuel Chavira, Safe and Secure Schools Manager at EPISD said.

All visitors will be funneled to one central location, where they’ll be forced to enter the school’s main office and be screened. Visitors put their driver’s license through a scanner.

The computer then checks a database for registered sex offenders in all 50 states. If a visitor is cleared, they’re given a badge to enter the school. If not–school officials will be notified and that’s when they can turn them away.

“And so we’re not trying to leave any kid’s parents out, we’re trying to ensure the safety and security of our kids,” Chavira said.

“I think anything that’s added security for our children is definitely a plus,” Lisa Magnano-Craig said.

The board approved the system during the summer and it’ll be installed by the end of the month. Parents will be notified about changes in the visitor’s policy in the coming weeks.