5 Policies to Implement with Your First District ID Card

When introducing an ID card to a school district, there are various factors to consider, all of which can impact the success and effectiveness of the ID card. That’s why implementation of it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution that will make the ID card a permanent and efficient tool for the students and the district.

Unsure of where to start? Below is a list of some policies we recommend to make sure that your first ID card is a hit among students, admins, and the district.

Integrate the Card to Be as Functional as Possible

Some districts may be bringing in an ID card to go along with a brand new program they are implementing, such as a student ridership program. However, if your district has other programs such as a cafeteria or library program, the card could and should be designed to serve multiple functions. Having a multipurpose ID card can allow you to put all of your school programs on one card. A functional ID card can create a more efficient and enjoyable experience for students as they’ll be able to move about their day with the help of a singular card.

Batch Print the Initial ID Cards

Before the start of the school year, districts already have a lot of things to prepare so the school year starts smoothly. So adding the production of an ID card to that can make things overwhelming. That is where batch printing comes in. The initial batch printing of ID cards can be done before the start of the school year, which can help ensure that all students receive their cards on the first day of school. With a batch print, the cards will arrive boxed and sorted in their preferred order, allowing for easy distribution. Additionally, with batch printing, districts can focus on everything else that needs to be ready for the start of the school year.

Choose the Right ID Card Attachment

Once the ID cards are distributed to the students, the issues of card loss and damage can start to pop up. To help minimize that, ID card accessories such as lanyards and card holders become an integral part of the ID card implementation. They can help prevent loss or damage to the ID card by keeping the card secure and visible around the student's necks. Not only that, but every student having the same ID card and lanyard on them helps to create school spirit as they’ll all be able to identify as members of the same school district.

Set Up an ID Card Replacement System

However, despite having accessories to reduce the loss and damage of cards, there will still be instances where replacing ID cards will be necessary. That’s why having an ID card printer on-site, on every campus, is so important. If you aren’t sure where to start with setting this up, some companies offer services that will not only help implement a printing system on-site but will offer a hot swap of any hardware provided. All of that will provide a quick and convenient solution for students as the district will be able to print an ID card right on-site for them instead of waiting for a replacement card to be issued and mailed. This allows the student to quickly go back to normal use of the card and move easily throughout their day.

Implement a Discount Card Program and Replacement Fees

Another way to help mitigate students losing ID cards is by having a discount ID card program and reasonable ID card replacement fees in place. Both measures will enhance the overall value of the students' IDs. Reasonable ID card replacement fees can promote responsible card management among students, as they are more likely to take good care of their cards when there is a cost associated with losing or damaging them. This reduces the burden on the administration regarding replacements. As for the discount ID card program, some school districts have collaborated with local restaurants to offer discounts on specific items to students who carry their IDs. This approach not only incentivizes students to consistently carry their cards but also contributes to supporting the community.

When you’re ready to implement your first ID card in your district, CI Solutions and our products and services can help ensure the ID card is a success. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today!