Minisink Valley will begin using the Visitor Aware digital visitor management and security system at all district buildings effective Monday, Nov. 9.

The system is designed to strengthen school security by helping the district verify visitors, identify potential safety concerns and streamline the check-in process for approved visitors. More than 300 school districts nationwide currently use Visitor Aware.

Effective Nov. 9, all visitors seeking to enter any school building and Central Office will be required to present valid, government-issued photo identification upon arrival. Visitors will remain outside the building while their ID is scanned and their information is screened against national sex offender registries, government watchlists, court orders and the district’s custom list of individuals prohibited from entering school property.

Any potential concerns will be flagged for review by district personnel. Approved visitors will receive a printed pass before being permitted to enter the building.

“Our responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for our students and staff is something we take very seriously,” said Assistant Superintendent Christian Ranaudo, who is also the district’s chief safety officer and chief technology officer. “Visitor Aware adds another important layer of protection by allowing us to better screen and verify individuals entering our buildings, while making the check-in process more efficient for approved visitors. We appreciate the cooperation of our families and community members as we continue to strengthen the safety of our schools.”

Reminder: Anyone visiting a school building or Central Office on or after Nov. 9 must be prepared to present valid, government-issued photo identification.

Questions about the new visitor/security management process may be directed to your student’s school building.