EEACB

 

 

USE OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ON SCHOOL BUSES

 

 

The Rochester School Board views students and student safety to be the most important aspects of its transportation program.  A key factor in the safe operation of school buses is maintaining student discipline.  In order to promote the desired student behavior and to permit the driver to concentrate on the safe operation of the bus, video camera may be installed on school buses for surveillance of passengers.

 

In the event a recording is used as part of a student discipline proceeding, such video may become part of a student’s education record. The Superintendent is authorized to contact the District’s attorney for a full legal opinion in the event of such an occurrence.

 

Video-camera recording is considered a valuable resource for school officials in administering fair and appropriate discipline.  The use of video camera shall be governed by the following principles:

 

1.   The use of video cameras is intended as a deterrent to unruly behavior and to provide assistance to school officials and the school bus service provider in documenting behavior problems.  It is not intended to reduce the drivers’ responsibility to maintain discipline through traditional means.  School bus driver(s) shall not delay appropriate disciplinary action, particularly when a student’s behavior threatens the safety of others.

 

2.   Placement and scheduling of video cameras shall be determined by school administration in cooperation with the school bus service provider.  All video footage will be the property of the Rochester School Department and will be considered confidential.  Viewing of video footage by school administration will be on an “as needed” basis.

 

3.   School administration, at its discretion, may permit viewing by parents and representatives of the school bus service provider.

 

4.   Any video footage not necessary for subsequent disciplinary measures may be erased or recycled within five working days of being taken.

 

 

 

 

Adopted:                                  July 17, 1997

Board Review/Approved:        December 11, 2008

Amended:                                December 9, 2010