GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. -- Guilford County Schools is working to phase in a new pilot program that would help keep track of students whereabouts.
In April, the district announced it would be launching its OneCard system. The launch is small-scale for the 2018-2019 school year. Just seven High Point schools make up the pilot program and at the start of the school year Monday the district was still working to get students their cards. The goal is to eventually have all GCS students have a OneCard ID card.
What is a OneCard?
According to the district, the OneCard will work as a student ID that can be scanned to track attendance on the bus, in the classroom, at the cafeteria, in the library and other parts of school. For the pilot program, the cards will be used to track students coming into the building, to purchase school lunch and to check out a book at the library.
Which schools are testing them?
Seven High Point schools are part of the pilot program including: Southwest High, Andrews High, High Point Central High, Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, Allen Jay Middle, Welborn Middle and Ferndale Middle.
How much does this program cost?
The district says the cost to buy cards for all 73,000 students and equipment and training for the pilot schools is about $131,000. That money is coming from the fund balance last year. The projected yearly recurring cost is $79,015, which includes maintenance and breakage or loss. Additionally, the district says if a student loses a OneCard, there will be a minimal fee to get a new one.
