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SAISD plans switch from SmartTag; board briefed on options that integrate with Transfinder routing
Summary
District transportation staff told trustees SmartTag will no longer integrate with Transfinder routing software and presented alternatives (Zonar, Samara and SmartTag full routing) that would supply student badging and GPS tracking; administrators seek approval so ID badges and integration can be ready by the school year.
San Angelo ISD transportation staff briefed the board on the need to replace the district’s student tracking/badging solution after SmartTag informed the district it would no longer operate in conjunction with the district’s Transfinder routing software.
Administrators reviewed three options: adopt SmartTag as a full routing-and-badging solution, or select alternatives such as Zonar or Samara that provide GPS/student badging with better integration to Transfinder. The district said it has received quotes and vendor information and is preparing a recommendation. Transportation staff and administrators emphasized the goal of having a system in place by the start of the school year and the ability to mass-produce approximately 13,000 student ID badges if the board approves a new vendor quickly.
Trustees asked about implementation timelines and prior rollout challenges with SmartTag. Administration said Transfinder will remain the district’s routing platform and that Zonar (or a similar vendor) offers additional capabilities; staff said they could negotiate multi-year contracts if needed and that they expect improved integration. No final contract was approved at this meeting; administrators requested that the item be placed on the next regular meeting for action to enable implementation over the summer.
