SE Valley Times

Mesa Public Schools is set to launch a pilot program of the SMART tag bus security system at three schools this spring, aimed at improving safety and efficiency for students and parents. The three schools selected for the pilot program are Guerrero Elementary, Smith Junior High, and Westwood High School, with implementation starting on April 15. The district plans to expand the SMART tag system to all schools in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

The SMART tag system is designed to enhance safety and security for students riding on school buses through the use of technology. It monitors the location of tablet-equipped school buses, tracks student loading and unloading in real-time, and provides crucial information to the Transportation Department. According to the district, the system will ensure that students are always picked up at their designated stops, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.

In response to common questions about the system, students will receive their SMART tag IDs at school, and they will need to scan these IDs on a tablet when boarding the bus. In the event that a student forgets or loses their ID, replacements can be obtained from the school without a fee during the pilot phase.

The SMART tag IDs utilize passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which does not store personal information or emit tracking data. This technology is widely used in various industries for tracking purposes. The school buses equipped with the SMART tag system have a tablet computer and RFID reader, which ensure that students board the correct bus and alight at the right stop.

Furthermore, the system will enable parents to receive notifications about their child's bus activity through a parent portal that will be available district-wide in the fall when the program is fully implemented.

Overall, the SMART tag pilot program aims to increase awareness among drivers, schools, and parents, maximize rider safety, and streamline bus operations for the benefit of all stakeholders involved in school transportation.