Controlling the flow of students in and out of your McAllen, TX school continues to be a paramount concern. It’s an arduous task to ensure the safety of students and staff with rising levels of violence, drugs, and bullying. While many of the root causes of your core concerns need to be resolved at the community level, having a well-structured K-12 access control system is essential.

Managing the entry into your campus or facilities requires a balance of security, flexibility, and equal access for all abilities. At Circle Industries, we have an innate understanding of the complexities involved and the best-suited solutions for schools like yours.

Are you looking for a more comprehensive way to control access? Then, continue reading to learn more.

See Also: Get The Message Out: 3 Ways Mass Notification Systems Work

More Safety, Less Work

As an administrator, you know that the simple act of locking doors reduces the likelihood of trouble from outside the building by two-thirds. Unfortunately, if you have multiple entry points, this can mean having to dedicate staff to ensuring doors are closed and locked. In addition, children and young adults are prone to losing keys mandating a change out of locks and key redistribution.

An automated access control system offers you the ability to actively track who enters the building. Not only does this provide you with an attendance record, but it also allows a way to quickly deactivate lost, stolen cards or block prohibited individuals from gaining entry. Using a combination of key cards, fobs, remote control, and biometric security for more sensitive classrooms, your team spends more time keeping watch and less time jiggling doors.

Visitor management

Verifying visitor's identities and ensuring that they are not hiding details that would raise red flags is an essential component of controlling entry points. For example, checking everyone against the national ID management system allows you to review if an individual requesting entry has any convictions or arrests. The database looks for and alerts you of charges such as sex offenses to gang affiliation. Additionally, the system confirms custodial status, ensuring that only the legal guardian can take a child out of school.

ADA Compliance

Access control is more than security. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that all new builds and major renovations to essential facilities include accommodations for those who need alternate means. The rules dictate that any doors and entry points allow disabled individuals to enter and exit without undue complications freely.

The regulations regarding access controls, placement, and function are quite strict and differ for the type of system being installed. Therefore, in order to rightfully furnish equal access and meet federal compliance standards, work with an experienced integrator.

Be Ready For This School Season

Classes are starting soon, but you can be ready by calling us today at 833-424-7253 or filling out our contact form to set up a consultation.