New security protocol under review in Pocatello schools

Three Pocatello elementary schools will begin using a new safety protocol for the rest of the school year. Gate City, Indian Hills and Syringa have volunteered to begin piloting the system.

As part of the program, visitors can expect to encounter new procedures for checking students in and out of school, to volunteer, or to conduct any other school business.

The policy will call for locking all exterior doors during school hours, including the front doors. Signs will be posted at the front entrance with instructions for gaining entry. Visitors will also be required to use a mobile phone to call a listed number to request entry.

All visitors must present a valid ID and a member of the school staff will assist each visitor. Staff may be assisting others inside the school, so visitors should also be patient. Tending children will be their first priority.

All other schools will operate as usual.

The District 25 School Board hopes to hear from the public. They plan to evaluate data collected during the pilot phase before adopting the protocol district-wide. All other schools will operate as usual.