FRISCO, Texas — Frisco ISD recently began implementing a new technology at one of its elementary school campuses to make it safer for office workers and students, a new statement from the district said Sunday.
Under the new program (which will be implemented at all elementary schools by the end of the summer), visitors to Smith Elementary School must now stand in front of a security camera, similar to the Ring doorbell devices that have become more popular with homeowners. They will press a button and wait for an office attendant to respond and examine their identification (simple recognition, valid government-issued driver's license or a U.S. passport) and verify their purpose for the visit. Then they will be buzzed into the reception area and will receive a visitor's badge.
The new security system is just one part of a bunch of new security improvements, district officials said.
Through voter approval of the 2018 bond program, Frisco ISD also installed emergency lockdown technology at all of its campuses and also now has funding for bullet-resistant glass for classroom windows and sidelights, to be installed at an as yet undetermined date.
The district said it also has funds to add and replace security cameras, servers and fiber.
Other security and emergency preparedness initiatives have been funded through the District’s operating budget.