711.2A - Use of Video Cameras on School Busses Regulation

The board supports the use of video cameras on school buses as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.  In view of the fact that a bus is an extension of the classroom, the Board will require children to conduct themselves in the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior.

The video cameras may be used on buses for transportation to and from school, field trips, curricular events and extracurricular events.  The contents of the videotapes may be used as evidence in disciplinary proceedings for a student, as well as for persons on the bus who have student management responsibility. 

Students and Employee Records The content of the videotapes is a record subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student and employee records.  Only those persons with a legitimate educational purpose may view the videotapes.  In most instances, those individuals with legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, transportation director, bus driver and special education staffing team.  A videotape recording during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity.  If the content of the videotape becomes the subject of a disciplinary proceeding, it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

Notice

The school district will annually provide the following notice:

The Gilmore City-Bradgate Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on school district buses.  The video cameras will be used to monitor student and employee behavior to maintain order on the school buses, to promote and maintain a safe environment.  Students, parents and school district employees are hereby notified that the content of the videotape may be used in a disciplinary proceeding.  The content of the videotapes are confidential records and will be retained with other student and employee records.  Videotapes will only be retained if necessary for use in a disciplinary proceeding or other matters as determined necessary by the administration.  All persons involved in a disciplinary proceeding may request to view videotapes if the videotapes are to be used as evidence.

Review of Videotapes The school district will review videotapes when necessary as a result of an incident reported.  The videotapes may be re-circulated for erasure after 10 days.  Viewing of videotapes is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose.  A written log will be kept of those individuals viewing the videotapes stating the time, name of individual viewing and the date the videotape was viewed.

Video Monitoring System Determination of how video cameras will be used and which school buses will be equipped with video equipment will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the building principals and transportation director.

Employees and Students are prohibited from tampering with the video cameras, and associated electronic components, on the school buses.  Those found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with the school district employee policy and Good Conduct Rules, and will reimburse the school district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

 

 

Approved 03-20-06                              
Reviewed 12-15-08; 03-19-12
Revised_________