Enhanced Visitor Management System

Why did Wilkes County implement a Visitor Management System?
Wilkes County Schools prioritizes the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors. The Visitor Management System is one of several measures in place to help maintain secure school environments. This system allows schools to know who is present in the building at all times and to identify whether a visitor’s background may require additional oversight while on campus.

What are the acceptable forms of identification that may be presented?

  • Your driver’s license is the preferred form of identification, which allows us to quickly scan the barcode on the back of the license. However, other government-issued identification that includes a photo and address can be accepted.

  • Other forms of identification that can be presented are, but not limited to, a Residency card, Passport, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, Weapons Carry License, or Military Identification Card.

What if I don’t have a driver’s license or other photo identification?

  • Visitors who do not have an acceptable government-issued photo ID will be required to speak directly with a school administrator. The administrator will review the individual situation and determine appropriate next steps in a way that ensures safety while addressing the visitor’s needs.

What is the process to check in?

  • When you enter the school front office, you will be asked to submit your identification card.

  • If your identification card does not have a barcode on the back, then the information will be manually entered into the Visitor Management System, which may take a few more minutes upon check-in at the school.

  • This system includes safety checks consistent with school security best practices.

    Once checked in, visitors will be issued a printed visitor badge. If traveling beyond the front office or down the school hallways, a lanyard with the badge will also be provided. Visitors must wear their badge at all times while on campus.

When you review my information, what are you checking?

What if my identification is submitted and a problem is detected, but it’s not accurate?

  • School personnel will conduct a manual review to verify the information and determine accuracy. If the concern remains after review, the school administrator will decide how the visit will be handled or whether access to the building will be permitted.

Do you store my personal information and form of identification?

  • Yes. Information related to the visit is stored in the school system’s Student Information System. The data collected may include:

    • Visitor name

    • Reason for visit

    • Driver’s license number (number only; no copy is stored)

    • Time in and time out

    • IP address

    • Visitor photograph

How do you ensure the privacy of my data?

  • Any information obtained and stored through the visitor management system is protected through industry best practices. This includes controlled and logged access to the system and network security measures to protect against unauthorized access to the system.

  • Information sent to the United States Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website as part of the search is protected by the Department of Justice’s data privacy measures, which can be reviewed at https://www.justice.gov/doj/privacy-policy.

What if I am on the sex offender registry, but have the rights to be at the school?

  • If you are aware that you are listed on the registry, you must notify school administration before coming onto school property. This notification should occur by phone or email prior to arrival.

  • School administrators will review the situation and determine whether the visit is permitted and, if so, how it will be supervised.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Visitor Management System that are not addressed above, please contact your school principal for additional information.

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