BREAKING NEWS:
There is a currently existing policy,7441- ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS
AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS, which requires the district to let
all members of the educational community know that electronic surveillance is
being used. We are adding cameras as our enhanced security in our newly
constructed school vestibules and around our schools in order to identify who is
seeking entrance into the building. A regulation is being added which explains
what happens to the information from the security cameras. This is the extent
of our use of electronic surveillance. The actual policy is shared below.
Should you have any questions regarding this or any other concerns you may have,
please do not hesitate to contact us.
Policy 7441 -- The Board of Education
authorizes the use of electronic surveillance systems in school buildings and on
school grounds to enhance the safety and security for school district staff,
pupils, community members, and other building occupants and to protect the
school district's buildings and grounds. The content produced by the
surveillance system under certain circumstances may be considered a pupil
record, in which it will be subject to the Board of Education policy and
regulations regarding confidential pupil records. If the content of the
surveillance system becomes the subject of a disciplinary proceeding, it shall
be treated like other evidence in the proceeding, and the district declares such
use to be a legitimate educational interest.
The following statement
shall be posted in a prominent, public place in buildings and on school grounds
where electronic surveillance equipment may be used: The Board of Education
authorizes the use of electronic surveillance monitoring devices in school
buildings and on school grounds. Therefore, all school buildings and school
grounds within this school district may be monitored using such devices in
accordance with Board Policy.
In addition to posting, the
district shall notify school staff members, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and
pupils that electronic surveillance may be used in school buildings and on
school grounds through publication in pupil and staff handbooks, school
calendars, notice sent home with pupils, or any other effective means to publish
the district's use of electronic surveillance equipment in school buildings and
on school grounds.
Original Announcement:
This summer, our district has been completing significant
construction upgrades to enhance safety and security measures in our schools.
The vestibules at our school front offices have been redesigned and
reconfigured to better serve our visitors while protecting and safeguarding our
students and staff members. Customer service to our community is paramount and
these changes help provide consistency in the way we address our guests, while
tightening our security protocols at our entrances. Guests will be required to
follow specific procedures for their visit. Also, additional cameras have been
installed in various locations. Board policies and regulations are being
updated to better reflect the changes in our processes. We appreciate
your patience and understanding as we work to put our new procedures in
place. Your support is greatly appreciated. Below are a few snapshots of
the changes to our vestibules in progress. We look forward to completing these
projects for the opening of the new school year!