Clovis Schools Using Finger Technology for Students

August 19, 2008

The Clovis school district will soon abolish the need for student identification cards.

Students in Clovis will soon only be responsible with bringing their fingers to school instead of ID cards thanks to biometric technology.

A tiny scanner is the answer to a problem the Clovis school district has been dealing with for years.

“I saw it first hand kids punching in their four digit numbers. The name that came up on the screen and that’s not the child in front of you,” said David Whitehead, the Clovis Municipal Schools Information Technology Director.

The school district is now turning to biometric technology to handle problems of inefficiency.

In a few weeks all schools will scan fingers in libraries and cafeterias.

“It doesn’t take an image at all when you put your finger on. It’s like a membrane on here it senses the ridges and valleys, no two people have the same valleys,” said Whitehead.

So now identities are safe for students, it’s practically hack-proof and can’t be reverse engineered.

Also, the technology can be expanded and its possibilities are endless.

It can be used for admission to sporting events, attendance. “Or any other software that you have that requires checking in or checking out as an individual. You can use it for up to 6 different kids of programs,” said Whitehead.

“The biometrics system is just the next wave of how to take care of our kids’ identities,” said Dr. Rhonda Seidenwurm, the Clovis Superintendent.

The school district says once it gets all the units installed, it will begin looking into alternative uses. Like possibly tracking attendance for every student in each class.



KFDA - News Channel 10 / Amarillo, TX
KFDA Staff