PATTON — A new payment model that would allow those within the Cambria Heights School District to pay for services with credit cards and directly from bank accounts is being considered by district officials.

District technology coordinator Ryan Skomra made a presentation to school board members this week, asking them to consider contracting with e-Funds for Schools.

The company, Skomra said, would allow people to make electronic payments for school functions, such as fundraisers and sporting events.

“It’s pretty much anything that would require payment from parents,” he said.

The district already offers an electronic payment model for school lunches, and Skomra said he believes parents and others will benefit from expanding that model to other services and events.

“Obviously we are living in a cashless world now,” he said, referring to the increased use of debit and credit cards.

Skomra said he looked at several companies that offer electronic payment services, but e-Funds for Schools seemed the best choice. That’s because the other companies required a monthly payment from the district.

The e-Funds for Schools model does not require a district payment. It passes additional charges to those purchasing goods from its website.

Those purchases can be made by credit card or directly from a bank account, Skomra said.

Every payment made from a bank account will include a convenience fee of an additional $1. Payments made with cards will include an additional $2.65 per every $100 spent, he said.

All payments would have to be made through a website, Skomra said.

The company also offers electronic credit card readers that allow for on-site payments, but they would come at a cost to the district.

The card readers raised concerns from board member Kenneth Vescovi, who asked about hackers and cyber security.

“That’s what I worry about,” he said.

However, Skomra said the card readers likely will not be considered unless the district cost is eliminated.

Board members agreed to consider the model but asked for more information before a decision is made.

“I think it’s something for us to seriously look at because carrying cash is a thing of the past,” board member Gerald Brant said.

Skomra said information about e-Funds for Schools will be forwarded to proper school officials for further review, which may or may not lead to a future vote by board members.

Mirror Staff Writer Sean Sauro is at 946-7535.