Students will not be tracked using the student ID. While the student ID does have a passive RFID chip, there are no readers inside the school for the purpose of identifying a student's location. In addition, the RFID chip will not be used for transactions in the library, cafeteria or nurses office. Rather, a bar code scanner - similar to those found in grocery store checkout lines - will be used to scan the bar code on the front of the ID. 

The only location where a RFID reader will be used is on the school bus. As students get on and off the bus, the RFID will be read by the reader and log the time and location where a student got on or off the bus. This measure has been put in place to increase the safety of students, particularly for younger students who may get off the bus at the wrong stop. 

The only information stored on the student ID is the student number. No personal identifiable information such as name, grade, campus, social security number, etc., is stored on the card - either via the bar code or the RFID chip. 

The student IDs use passive RFID, which means that it does not emit any type of signal unless it comes in close proximity to a RFID reader, about 1 - 2 inches. The only readers the district uses are located on the buses to log when and where students get on and off the bus. 

Student IDs allow for students to be visually identified as a San Marcs CISD student by displaying a district issued picture ID card, which increases accountability of students as it pertains to safety and security.

The ID cards also allow greater efficiency for students when interacting with various services on campus such as the library, cafeteria and transportation. 

Additionally, SMCISD is committed to providing a positive culture at each campus and badges provide an opportunity for all staff to learn to learn all students’ names.

All secondary students, 6-12 grade, are required to wear their ID.

IDs are used to easily identify each student, as well make campus services more efficient. For example, students will use their ID badge when checking out a book in the library, paying for their meal in the cafeteria and scanning on/off the bus.

All students will receive a San Marcos CISD lanyard with his or her student ID. You are not required to use this lanyard and may purchase a different lanyard or ID holder of your choosing (must be appropriate for school)

The only requirement is student IDs must be visibly worn on the upper part of the body.

IDs easily identify students from the district and which campuses they attend. This allows administrators and campus staff to not only identify students, but those who do not belong on campus that don't have IDs.

The student ID also allows students to be quickly identified in the event of an emergency on campus.