Advancing Security in DC Public Schools
Like every school system in the nation, the District of Columbia Public School System was aware of the heightened need for security.
Chief of MIS for DC Public Schools (DCPS), Ulysses Keyes wanted a powerful photo identification system to replace an antiquated Polaroid system, but he needed one that was easy for non-technical school administrators to operate.
Mr. Keyes turned to his communications chief and security expert, Vincent Carter, to identify the best solution for the DCPS. As a result, MIS installed IDenticard's IVIS Plus 1000 digital imaging system in 19 senior high schools in the DC Public School system, providing every one of the approximately 15,000 students with a photo identification badge. Thirty additional systems were purchased to be used in the junior high schools.
In searching for the right system, Keyes said it was of major importance that each school have the ability to handle badging independently at the local level. His office was also charged with getting the system up-and-running in each school simultaneously, versus taking a phased-in approach. Operating under a tight schedule, Keyes says he was concerned with training, "But it went great. In less than one hour, the schools were trained by Carter's staff, and now we only hear from our customers when they need additional supplies."
The DC Public School System implemented the program starting with the senior high schools, as it was determined to represent the greatest need. Students, faculty and custodial staff are all badged and each school utilizes the IVIS Plus software to custom print badges in individual school colors.
The school system was also thinking ahead. "We wanted the cards to be digitized, so we could use them for future applications," says Keyes, who reports that the DC Public School System is upgrading and installing software now to take advantage of the open configuration of the IVIS Plus system.
In addition, the system allows for an exciting application with food services. According to Keyes, many students would rather go hungry than be singled out as participants in a free lunch program. Utilizing the encoded ID badges, eligible students are able to take advantage of the food service program using the same ID cards used by every other student.
Keyes reports that parents are extremely pleased with the photo identification program. The kids love the badges, too. "When I'm driving, I see the students already wearing their badges while they wait at their bus stops," says Keyes, "and that's a fantastic sight to see."
For more information, click here or call 800-233-0298.
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