A new system at Mason High School aims to maintain school security by checking into each visitor’s background.

The system requires guests to provide their driver’s license to a front desk employee. That identification card is then run through a machine that automatically runs a background check.

The check typically takes between 30 seconds and one minute. Those who pass the background check get a printed visitor’s badge, said Tracey Carson, the district’s spokeswoman.

“If someone is flagged, our receptionist notifies an assistant principal who then is responsible for assessing the situation and determining if the person can be admitted,” Carson said.

Those who do not provide a driver’s license are refused entry.

The high school started piloting the new system Jan. 7, the first day back from winter break. It is one of several programs in different price ranges that will be tested by the district before making a final decision on which one works best, Carson said.

The Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown, Conn., caused many people to think hard about how to make schools safer, she said.

“Our children are our most precious resource, and our hearts were broken by what happened in Newtown,” Carson said. “We’ve found that people’s ideas differ, and we’re working to implement some action ideas now, but many ideas will require the support and assistance of parents, other volunteers, and other organizations in the community.”

Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline and Assistant Superintendent Mike Brannon met with the Mason Police Chief Ron Ferrell and Safety Director John Moore to discuss additional ways to make the district’s schools safer, she said.

In addition, district officials are listening to ideas that parents have shared.

“School safety is always our top priority and we have to remain vigilant about ways we can enhance our current practices,” said Mindy McCarty-Stewart, the high school’s principal. “Piloting a new system of checking visitor’s identification is just one more way we can enhance school security.”

The district’s Safe and Inviting Schools Committee will examine and prioritize various background check options and present those options to Kist-Kline, who will recommend one to the school board, according to Kevin Wise, school board president.

“I view it as a positive step,” said Wise, who has two children at the school. “I have tremendous confidence in our staff who are at the entrances and I’ve always been supportive of giving them the tools they need to control the entrance in a smart way.”