metatron
24-03-2008, 07:40 PM
Just caught this in the local rag
Its getting beyond a joke...I mean the agenda is right out there for all to see and still there will be those pushing for this shit in the name of safety and protection!!
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/03/24/fingerprint-scan-at-schoolgates-100252-20665754/
Fingerprint scan at schoolgates
Mar 24 2008 Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo
HI-TECH fingerprint scanners could be installed at the doors of Liverpool’s rebuilt schools.
Education managers must decide in the next year whether to include the controversial technology in designs for new learning centres.
The equipment, which checks children’s fingers or thumbs for their unique code, is already used in many school canteens and libraries.
But it may now be taken a step further so only teachers, pupils and support staff supposed to be on school premises can access buildings.
It could also help monitor attendance.
City leaders want to find out more about the system which could be incorporated into Liverpool’s multi-million pound Building Schools For The Future (BSF) scheme.
They are concerned the controversial equipment might prompt complaints from staff and parents if it is introduced without their consent.
The council’s education director Stuart Smith admitted there was a “difference of opinion” among headteachers and governors about scanning.
He said: “Currently, arrangements are put in place by the governors and parents at each individual school autonomously.
“In the designs for BSF, a number of project managers have included it. It is tied to pupil registration – attendance is based on fingerprint entry.
“We have not built any BSF schools with that facility or made any detailed planning arrangements so we have not had to answer that question.
“Headteachers and governors hold a whole spectrum of views, from those who do not touch it with a bargepole, to those who want to use it to take attendance, to those who use it for school meals.
“We have quite an influence over the way schools rebuild and have to decide in 12 months whether to endorse using it in the main entrance at schools.”
Fingerprint technology is used at Liverpool’s biggest school, Alsop comprehensive in Walton, for school meals and library books.
Education chief Cllr Paul Clein said: “I was reassured by the system at Alsop. It does not retain fingerprints but translates them into a numeric algorithm for each kid – like an individual bar code.
“If parents and staff do not want to participate at Alsop, that is fine. It might make life more awkward, but it is their choice.
“Maybe it is something we need to formulate and offer guidance.
But if it was a condition of entry to school, I think that is a bridge too far.
“People should always have the right to opt out of the system.”
The Echo first revealed how fingerprint scanners were being used in Liverpool schools almost two years ago.
Some parents believe it boosts pupil safety as they do not need to bring cash to school and risk being bullied for it.
The cash-free system also speeds up dinner queues and stops pupils buying junk food.
Scanning is now also being used for registration and library services.
A single database can be used to give pupils and staff access to doors, library books, school meals and the register.
Its getting beyond a joke...I mean the agenda is right out there for all to see and still there will be those pushing for this shit in the name of safety and protection!!
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/03/24/fingerprint-scan-at-schoolgates-100252-20665754/
Fingerprint scan at schoolgates
Mar 24 2008 Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo
HI-TECH fingerprint scanners could be installed at the doors of Liverpool’s rebuilt schools.
Education managers must decide in the next year whether to include the controversial technology in designs for new learning centres.
The equipment, which checks children’s fingers or thumbs for their unique code, is already used in many school canteens and libraries.
But it may now be taken a step further so only teachers, pupils and support staff supposed to be on school premises can access buildings.
It could also help monitor attendance.
City leaders want to find out more about the system which could be incorporated into Liverpool’s multi-million pound Building Schools For The Future (BSF) scheme.
They are concerned the controversial equipment might prompt complaints from staff and parents if it is introduced without their consent.
The council’s education director Stuart Smith admitted there was a “difference of opinion” among headteachers and governors about scanning.
He said: “Currently, arrangements are put in place by the governors and parents at each individual school autonomously.
“In the designs for BSF, a number of project managers have included it. It is tied to pupil registration – attendance is based on fingerprint entry.
“We have not built any BSF schools with that facility or made any detailed planning arrangements so we have not had to answer that question.
“Headteachers and governors hold a whole spectrum of views, from those who do not touch it with a bargepole, to those who want to use it to take attendance, to those who use it for school meals.
“We have quite an influence over the way schools rebuild and have to decide in 12 months whether to endorse using it in the main entrance at schools.”
Fingerprint technology is used at Liverpool’s biggest school, Alsop comprehensive in Walton, for school meals and library books.
Education chief Cllr Paul Clein said: “I was reassured by the system at Alsop. It does not retain fingerprints but translates them into a numeric algorithm for each kid – like an individual bar code.
“If parents and staff do not want to participate at Alsop, that is fine. It might make life more awkward, but it is their choice.
“Maybe it is something we need to formulate and offer guidance.
But if it was a condition of entry to school, I think that is a bridge too far.
“People should always have the right to opt out of the system.”
The Echo first revealed how fingerprint scanners were being used in Liverpool schools almost two years ago.
Some parents believe it boosts pupil safety as they do not need to bring cash to school and risk being bullied for it.
The cash-free system also speeds up dinner queues and stops pupils buying junk food.
Scanning is now also being used for registration and library services.
A single database can be used to give pupils and staff access to doors, library books, school meals and the register.