Columbia Public School students return to class Tuesday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Students with the Columbia Public School District return to class Tuesday for the 2024-2025 school year.

With the first day of school, a visitor management and weapons detection system will be making its debut.

CPS is implementing a visitor management system called "Raptor" that will be placed in all school buildings. It is an electronic system that adds an extra safety layer while welcoming guests and replacing paper sign-in sheets.

The Raptor system will require all visitors to scan their government ID to gain entrance. The system will do a check against the sex offender registry as well as check for anyone who may be banned from visiting.

The only data the system will collect is a person's name, image and date of birth. The information will not be shared with any outside agencies. Raptor uses firewalls, encryptions and prevention systems to protect data entered into the system.

The system will not be used at large events held at schools, as they are considered exceptions.

Also being added this year is the weapons detection system that will be at Rock Bridge, Hickman and Battle High School. The system can detect weapons such as blades, guns, knives, brass knuckles and razor blades while ignoring everyday objects like keys and cellphones.

With the return of school, CPS wants to remind the community to be mindful of increased traffic, school zones, bus stops and kids walking or biking to school.