SAN ANTONIO -- Al Gerloff joined other parents in filing a grievance against the North Side Independent School District to try to stop a pilot project using microchip ID badges at two schools.
The Smart ID has a microchip inserted in it to help keep track of students at John Jay High School and Anson Jones Middle School. It’s part of a pilot program aimed at making sure schools get the maximum amount of money allowed to them based on attendance.
We’re told the two campuses had big problems with low attendance and the district is already seeing improvement at Anson Jones Middle School. Officials said it’s too soon to tell if the program is making a difference at the high school.
Several parents spoke out at Tuesday night’s board meeting. The issue has put an international spotlight on Northside ISD.
Based on bible teachings, some parents, like Steve Hernandez, have been most vocal in the fight to get rid of the Smart ID. Hernandez said his daughter could be expelled from the high school because she refused to wear the tracking device, which district officials say would help protect students in and around the campuses.
Gerloff had a long list of questions about the microchip inserted into the IDs. He believes there is a health risk to students because of radiation. Despite complaints, Northside ISD started the program this fall and district officials said it would continue through the school year.
