While it’s pretty much a given that student IDs on college campuses will serve a variety of functions beyond identification – for instance paying for meals, checking out library books, making photocopies, etc – elementary school ID programs are typically more simple. But with advanced ID card technology becoming more readily available, and affordable, many schools are re-evaluating their ID card programs, looking for ways to increase security and card functionality. One such school is Tatum Ridge Elementary in Sarasota, Fla. Tatum Ridge is one of a handful of schools in Sarasota County testing out new student ID cards that the district hopes to push countywide beginning in 2009.

The new student IDs, beyond serving as name badges, will be integrated with school meal plans. Parents can add funds to an account associated with their child’s ID card which is swiped through a reader when the student moves through the lunch line. Students will also be able to use the cards to access materials in the school media center and library. There’s no need for an additional library card. Another benefit of the new student ID program is the badges will quickly identify students to substitute teachers who might not know their names.