EEAE-VIDEO CAMERAS ON SCHOOL PREMISES

File: EEAE

VIDEO CAMERAS ON SCHOOL PREMISES

The RSU #11 Board recognizes the school district’s continuing responsibility to maintain order in the schools and to ensure the safety of staff and students. This is particularly true after school hours, late evenings and weekends when there is diminished supervision of the facilities. After carefully balancing the need for discipline, safety, and security with students’ interests in privacy, the RSU #11 Board supports the limited use of video cameras to monitor activity in the halls, lobbies, and external areas adjacent to the buildings.

A video monitor may be used in the office area to improve the supervision of the areas identified above. Occasionally it may be necessary to videotape inappropriate behavior. When the resulting videotapes are used as a basis for discipline, parents/guardians will be notified and given the opportunity to view the tape of their child. Students in violation of school discipline/conduct codes shall be dealt with in accordance with established RSU #11 Board policy, administrative procedures, and established school practices. In the event that the behavior is unlawful (e.g., weekend breaking and entering) appropriate law enforcement may be called, and the videotape will be shared with them.

Notice of use of video cameras in the school will be provided to all students, parents, and staff in appropriate handbooks on an annual basis. Moreover, notice that video observation may take place will be posted in any school using such equipment.

Any recording used in a disciplinary proceeding may be retained as part of a student’s disciplinary record, being disposed of as other such documentation except when special circumstances warrant longer retention. In regard to such video recordings the school system will comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal law concerning student records.

The Superintendent will be responsible for the development of regulations regarding review of video recordings made on school premises. Such regulations will provide for procedures for review when significant violations of the student conduct code occur. Regulations will also address the retention of video tapes, the security of video cameras and recordings, specifying the school official(s) to be responsible for purchase, installation, maintenance, and replacement of equipment, scheduling and placement of cameras requests for viewing, and any necessary follow-up.

Adopted: March 13, 1997

Revised: December 7, 2006; June 3, 2010