LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Clover Park School District is conducting a pilot with a school bus rider identification system that will monitor when students enter or exit the district’s school buses.

Students at three schools in the district are participating in a pilot program testing the proposed system, according to a school district news release. The pilot, which will use Zonar’s Z Pass system, was implemented on April 11 and will continue through June 14. Based on the results of the pilot, district officials will consider a districtwide student identification system.

Each student will receive an identification card, called a Z Pass, with their photo. School staff will provide students with a lanyard or zip tie so Z Passes can be worn around the neck or attached to backpacks. Students will scan their Z Pass every time they get on and off the bus. The district’s transportation department receives a time and GPS location when the Z Pass is scanned. Students must have their pass ready upon entering or exiting the bus.

The bus rider identification system the district is considering is an additional tool to increase student safety and accountability, according to the news release. All of the school district’s buses are equipped with GPS and video recording.