By Scott Harvey
Commerce – It's been a busy summer at Commerce ISD with crews working to increase the safety and security of students and staff for the fall.
A recent release by the district describes a number of new projects and services to be utilized this year and beyond, including new storefront entrances at Commerce Elementary and Middle Schools, new technology and parking regulations.
Officials will soon be able to scan a visitor's driver's license and then print out an entrance pass. The process is said to ensure the identification of visitors picking up students.
A new web-based messaging system will send emergency notifications or simple schedule changes via email, voicemail or text. Administrators, teachers and coaches will be able to notify parents and guardians of program cancellations or time changes quickly and efficiently.
Also this summer, all Texas teachers have been digitally fingerprinted by the state for the purpose of background checks, plus new parking regulations will require school employees to display permits to help identify vehicles with legitimate school business.
According to the district, the improvements have been made to ensure that students are safe at school, which in turn will allow everyone to concentrate on academic achievement.