Kalani High School, HI

The Challenge

Like many schools, Kalani High School relied on student ID cards to identify students in the cafeteria. However, misplaced, forgotten, or damaged ID cards created operational challenges for both students and staff.

Students who lost their cards often had to visit the front office for temporary replacements, creating additional administrative work and slowing cafeteria service. In some cases, students simply skipped lunch because they did not have their ID card available.

School leaders also wanted a more secure way to verify student identities and prevent unauthorized charges to student meal accounts.

The Solution

After seeing successful implementations at Roosevelt High School and several middle schools, Kalani High School selected the identiMetrics Finger Scanning ID System.

The system uses a quick finger scan to identify students. No fingerprint images are stored. Instead, the scanner captures unique points from the finger and converts them into an encrypted numerical template linked to the student’s school ID number.

Parents were given the option to opt out of the program, and students who preferred traditional ID cards could continue using them.

Principal Mitchell Otani introduced the system as a way to improve account security, ensure accurate student identification, and streamline cafeteria operations.

The Results

Faster Meal Service

Students no longer need to remember or carry ID cards to purchase meals. A simple finger scan allows them to move through serving lines quickly and efficiently.

Reduced Administrative Burden

The elimination of temporary ID card requests reduces interruptions for office staff and minimizes time spent managing lost or forgotten cards.

Improved Security

Biometric identification helps ensure that meal purchases are charged to the correct student account, preventing misuse and increasing accountability.

Increased Student Participation

Roosevelt High School reported that meal participation increased after implementing the system, while also improving the overall efficiency of meal service.

Strong Parent Acceptance

Only a small number of families chose to opt out of the program, reflecting confidence in the system’s privacy protections and ease of use.

A Proven Solution

As Roosevelt High School Principal Sean Wong explained: 

“It improved the efficiency of our meal service. Our meal count actually went up. It’s much more secure, too.”

Today, schools across the country use identiMetrics to streamline operations, improve accountability, and provide students with a fast, secure, and convenient identification solution.