Columbia Public School students return to school Tuesday

COLUMBIA, Missouri (KMIZ)

Columbia Public School District students return to school on Tuesday for the 2024-2025 school year.

A visitor management and weapon detection system will be introduced on the first day of school.

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 layer of security while welcoming guests and replacing paper registration forms.

The Raptor system requires all visitors to scan their government ID to enter. The system will perform a check against the sex offender registry and check for individuals who may have been banned from visiting.

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

As schools reopen, CPS wants to remind the community to expect increased traffic, school zones, bus stops, and children walking or biking to school.