Community Consolidated School District 89 will begin using a new check-in and screening system at all schools as an added layer of safety. Before the end of this school year, all CCSD 89 schools will implement the Verkada guest-management system at the building’s front entrance.
This system will allow school staff to screen visitors against criminal databases and keep highly accurate records of who is visiting CCSD 89 schools, late arrivals, and anyone picking up students before normal dismissal times. The system will be used during the regular school day.
The new entry process will start when a guest checks in on the iPad in the school’s lobby. All guests must have an ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or la matrícula consular) when they arrive at the school.
After answering some basic questions on the iPad (guest name, student’s name, etc.), the guest will scan their ID. The Verkada system allows staff at the school’s front desk to immediately screen all visitors against nationwide sex-offender and criminal-background databases. The screening system includes photos so the staff can determine if the person is flagged because they have the same name as someone with a criminal background. Child sex offense, weapons, burglary, and drug possession are examples of crimes that could limit a person’s access to the school. If the system accurately flags a person, they will not be admitted to the main office.
Picking up a student
When someone needs to pick up a student outside of the normal dismissal time, they will check in using the lobby iPad. Staff members will confirm that the person in the lobby is authorized to pick up a student. Once the guest is confirmed, the student will be released to the lobby.
You can see how the student check-out process will work in this short video: https://youtu.be/gxFvHH5UZL4
Parents dropping off their students during normal arrival times - or picking students up at regular dismissal times - will not use the Verkada security system.
School visitors
The start of the check-in process will be similar for visitors to the school (such as parents volunteering in a classroom). After being admitted to the lobby, guests will check in on the iPad before they can enter the main office.
If the visitor is approved for entry to the school, staff will welcome them into the main office and hand the guest a nametag they will wear throughout their time in the building. Visitors will also receive a text message on their cell phone, which they can use to check out after leaving the school.
You can see how the visitor process will work in this short video: https://youtu.be/Q814enw_x7A
System implementation
Altogether, the iPad check-in process will take about one minute. On future visits, the system will store certain information to allow check-in to take place more quickly. For large events, the school will post QR codes that can allow visitors to begin the check-in process from their cell phone.
The Verkada system is scheduled to be implemented at schools on the following dates:
Briar Glen and Park View: April 28
Glen Crest: May 5
Arbor View: May 12
Westfield: May 13
The principal at your school will send a message prior to the system being installed.
The Verkada system was purchased using federal funds, which helped cover the start-up costs for the project. CCSD 89 staff members have been planning this implementation for several months as the natural next step in keeping schools secure.
You can see the September 2024 Board of Education presentation here: https://bit.ly/3Gin8aW