School using tracking chips in student IDs

(WWLP) - The fourth-largest school district in Texas wants to put location tracking microchips in school ID badges.

The Northside Independent School District in San Antonio is expected to implement the GPS-like tracking chips starting next year.

The plan is unique, but not without controversy. One family is suing the district because they say their religious beliefs conflict with the requirement.

One western Massachusetts parent 22News spoke with says she thinks it should be in all school IDs.

“Knowing where your kids are at all times, dropping them off in the morning and then if they decide to skip school or decide to do other things, I think having a tracking device and knowing where they are at all times is a pretty good idea,” she said.

One of the motivations for the so-called SmartIDs is money. In Texas, absentee rates play into how much funding schools get each year. The chips would help school officials get students into homeroom so they don't get marked as absent if they are late.