Cabot Schools Install ID System to Thwart Sex Offenders
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 13, 2012
Cabot schools, like many others, are gearing up for the New Year, but also with a focus on protecting kids from sex offenders with a new ID system.
All but two of the schools are having the software system Hall Pass installed to make sure people who could hurt kids, don't get one. The men who created Hall Pass say they're mom was a teacher who came home asking for something to help protect kids. Not only does the program stop people at the door, they hope it's a deterrent that keeps the wrong people away.
At Eastside Elementary's open house, Heather Kaker is taking her daughter to meet new teachers, find new classrooms and prepare for a new beginning.
"Like all kids, I think she's happy to make new friends," said Kaker.
This year on top of learning her daughter's schedule, Kaker is also being schooled on Hall Pass. She and other parents watched as their ID's were scanned and their backgrounds checked against the National Sex Offender Registry. Once the green check appears on screen, they and anyone they authorize are cleared to have access to the school.
Principal Jill Fletcher says her school was the first in the district with the software.
"Even if there was one incidence, it would be worth it to keep kids safe, that's our number one priority," said Fletcher.
If the system flags someone, an alert goes out immediately to law enforcement and school personnel.
"It's absolutely scary, it's one of my biggest fears as an administrator is the safety of kids and when you're talking about people who don't need to be in the building it's hard to regulate that," added Fletcher.
The founder says last the year the system flagged 19 people in an unidentified district.
"Being on the safe side and keeping our children safe from strangers who can just walk in from the streets and get your child is very, very important," said Kaker.
The Hall Pass software costs about $1,300 per school. It's being installed in all but two of Cabot schools right now. It's not just for sex offenders but families that may have custody issues and it also helps with volunteers.
All but two of the schools are having the software system Hall Pass installed to make sure people who could hurt kids, don't get one. The men who created Hall Pass say they're mom was a teacher who came home asking for something to help protect kids. Not only does the program stop people at the door, they hope it's a deterrent that keeps the wrong people away.
At Eastside Elementary's open house, Heather Kaker is taking her daughter to meet new teachers, find new classrooms and prepare for a new beginning.
"Like all kids, I think she's happy to make new friends," said Kaker.
This year on top of learning her daughter's schedule, Kaker is also being schooled on Hall Pass. She and other parents watched as their ID's were scanned and their backgrounds checked against the National Sex Offender Registry. Once the green check appears on screen, they and anyone they authorize are cleared to have access to the school.
Principal Jill Fletcher says her school was the first in the district with the software.
"Even if there was one incidence, it would be worth it to keep kids safe, that's our number one priority," said Fletcher.
If the system flags someone, an alert goes out immediately to law enforcement and school personnel.
"It's absolutely scary, it's one of my biggest fears as an administrator is the safety of kids and when you're talking about people who don't need to be in the building it's hard to regulate that," added Fletcher.
The founder says last the year the system flagged 19 people in an unidentified district.
"Being on the safe side and keeping our children safe from strangers who can just walk in from the streets and get your child is very, very important," said Kaker.
The Hall Pass software costs about $1,300 per school. It's being installed in all but two of Cabot schools right now. It's not just for sex offenders but families that may have custody issues and it also helps with volunteers.
