Katy ISD Transportation Guide for New Anniston Residents: What Parents Need to Know
Families moving to Anniston and enrolling their children in Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) may have questions about school transportation. The district recently introduced updates to its bus tracking system to improve safety, efficiency, and real-time communication for parents. Here’s what new enrollees need to know about Katy ISD transportation services and how to get their children ready for school bus travel.
New Transportation Process for Katy ISD Students
Katy ISD has implemented a new transportation registration process, requiring parents of new students to allow 24 to 48 hours for bus route information to become available after receiving their Katy ISD student ID number. Parents should be prepared for this brief waiting period and plan accordingly for their child’s first days at school.
Additionally, Katy ISD now requires parents to download and register on the SMART Tag Parent App, a new system designed to provide real-time bus tracking updates. The app replaces the previous web-based portal and offers immediate notifications about bus delays, route changes, and emergencies directly to parents’ smartphones.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
What Is SMART Tag and How Does It Work?
SMART Tag is an RFID-based student tracking system installed on Katy ISD school buses. The system, introduced in March 2023, requires students to scan a SMART Tag ID card when they enter and exit the bus. This helps track pick-up and drop-off times, allowing bus drivers, school administrators, and parents to monitor bus ridership in real time.
The SMART Tag system includes:
-
Secure student ID encryption to ensure privacy
-
GPS bus tracking for real-time arrival estimates
-
Automated notifications for parents about delays or emergencies
-
Instant updates on route changes through the SMART Tag Parent App
Downloading the SMART Tag Parent App
Parents must download the SMART Tag Parent App to access real-time bus information. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Existing SMART Tag account holders can log in with their current credentials, while new users will need to register and customize notification preferences.
To download the SMART Tag Parent App, visit: SMART Tag Parent App.
Enhanced Safety and Security for Katy ISD Buses
Over the past five years, Katy ISD has invested in advanced safety measures for its school bus fleet, including:
-
GPS tracking systems
-
Eight-camera security systems on each bus
-
RFID student verification via the SMART Tag system
According to Ted Vierling, Chief Operations Officer at Katy ISD, the district prioritizes security and efficient parent communication. The new SMART Tag Parent App builds on these efforts by providing quicker updates and more reliable access to bus information than the previous web-based tracking system.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Final Steps for New Enrollees
If you’re new to Anniston and enrolling your child in Katy ISD, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transportation process:
-
Obtain a Katy ISD student ID number for your child.
-
Wait 24-48 hours for bus route information to be assigned.
-
Download and register on the SMART Tag Parent App.
-
Customize notification settings to receive real-time bus updates.
By staying informed and utilizing the SMART Tag system, new Katy ISD parents can ensure their children have a safe and efficient school transportation experience. With enhanced security features and real-time tracking, Katy ISD continues to improve its commitment to student safety and parental peace of mind.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
