Point-of-Sale System for MISD
Nov. 10, 2004

The Midlothian Independent School District, in cooperation with Aramark Food Service Department, has adopted a new computerized Point of Sale payment system for all school meals purchased in the district’s cafeterias. The new system includes personal student ID cards for every student. All student ID cards include the student’s ID number. Secondary school students also have his/her picture on the card.

Every student will have his/her own personal lunchroom account based on his/her current student ID number. Breakfast and lunch will be included in the same account. Students can access their accounts on the PIN pads located at every register by entering his/her student ID number or by swiping the ID card. It is strongly recommended that all students remember their numbers in case their card is lost. If a card is lost more than twice, a $5.00 replacement fee will be charged.

It is encouraged that parents deposit money into the student’s account, although they may still pay with cash. Monies paid into a student account can only be used for the purchase of meals. All alacarte items must be paid for with cash or with money already added to the account. There will be zero charging allowed on the alacarte lines. When sending money by check or cash, please include the student’s full name on the check or envelope to ensure that the money is deposited into the correct account. When money is added to an account, the student ID card then works like a debit card.

If your child qualifies for free or reduced price meals, this information is securely contained within the system and the meal will be processed just as it is for all other students. If your child has allergies to certain food, you must submit a doctor’s note indicating the name of the food(s). In addition, you must contact the food services department. A note will be placed on your child’s account and a warning message will appear on the cashier’s screen when your child swipes his/her ID card.

If you would like a copy of the transactions of your child’s account at any time of for any reason, the Food Service department will provide it for you.

There were several factors making it necessary for Midlothian ISD to move to this new system:

1. MISD is growing with new students arriving daily.
2. This new system will allow MISD to service your students more efficiently (shortening lines).
3. Serving students who are on the free/reduced lunch program without unduly identifying them.
4. Students can pay in advance crediting their account (less opportunity for money loss).
5. Maintaining better records, becoming more efficient in serving and food preparation.
6. ID cards add a level of security to the MISD schools as it continues to grow.

In the future, ID cards will be used to check out textbooks and library books. They will be used for instant identification of all 7-12 grade students for security purposes. Access to school events (dances, games) could require student ID’s in the future. On a side note, some movie theatres allow discounts with a student ID. We are also hoping to add the ability for parents to pay for lunch online through a secure web site with the use of a credit card.

Thank you in advance for your patience in the implementation of this new system. Please contact the Food Service department with any questions that you may have (972) 775-2124, ext. 2.