Wausau schools implement new security measure for visitors

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - School is officially back, and safety is always a priority. This year, all schools in the Wausau School District are fully equipped with a new security software called Visitor Aware.

This system, developed by Madison-based software company Singlewire, helps schools know who is visiting the schools and where they are.

Visitor Aware is simple, all you have to do is take a picture, scan your ID, click where you’re headed, and the system will print out a pass for you to wear on your clothes.

“Schools always have the challenge because we want to be as safe as we possibly can, but we also want to be welcoming and inviting,” Interim Superintendent Cale Bushman said.

After you scan your ID into Visitor Aware, it’ll use facial recognition to make the process go faster next time.

The district says they chose this software because it makes it easier for both sides of the desk.

“We’ve gotten positive feedback from our families and our office staff,” Bushman said. “That’s always a big indicator for us that it’s efficient, easy for our folks to use and still gives us the information that we need to make sure our buildings are safe.”

Visitor Aware is used all over the nation, including in over a dozen school districts in Wisconsin. It uses facial recognition alongside ID scanning to look for potential threats. The system screens sex offender registries, government watchlists and the court system.

It was first used in Wausau schools last year, but now it is fully integrated into every school in the district.

“The number one job of any school is to be safe,” Bushman said. “Families drop their kids off at our buildings knowing that it’s a safe place for our folks to be.”