ADAMS TWP — The Mars School District began implementing a new security system on Monday.

The district is installing the Raptor Visitor Management System at all buildings.

When entering a school building, individuals will be asked if they have a driver's license or other form of identification that can be scanned or entered into the system. The system then checks that information against a national database of registered sex offenders.

According to district information, no other data is gathered from the scan and nothing is shared with any outside agency.

Once entry is approved, visitors are given a printed badge that identifies them by their name and photo, the date and the reason for the visit.

A visitor's badge is not needed for anyone picking up or dropping off a student or stopping in the office to exchange paperwork.

According to Superintendent Wesley Shipley, the system allows for the better screening of visitors, contractors and volunteers who are in and out of district buildings.

“When it comes to keeping schools safe, it is important to be aware of who is in the district's buildings at all times,” he said.

The system replaces former security measures. Shipley said in the past visitors had to sign in at the office and were given a badge with their name on it. He said those who served as board-approved volunteers were given clearance based on their level of involvement.

“The new Raptor system will increase the level of clearance each visitor will undergo before entering the building,” he said.

The program is being paid for through safe school grants, and is part of an overall plan to improve student safety, Shipley said.