Security cameras added throughout BPSD via 2013 bond issue

Post date: Jun 12, 2014 9:33:03 PM

The Bartlesville Public School District recently completed the installation of over 200 security cameras at sites throughout the BPSD.

The project was part of the $36.72 million bond issue passed in September 2013. As part of the bond issue, roughly $1.4 million was designated for safety and security items, with an improved camera surveillance system being one of the main priorities.

“The safety and security of our students and staff is vitally important. By increasing the number of security cameras we have throughout our district, we are able to better monitor our facilities and add an additional level of security for our district,” said BPSD Superintendent Dr. Gary W. Quinn.

In total, 220 high resolution cameras have been added at sites throughout the district. Bartlesville High School had 49 new cameras installed, and Bartlesville Mid-High School had 45 cameras installed. Meanwhile, each of the six elementary sites had between 16 and 19 cameras installed. The Will Rogers Complex, Education Service Center and transportation building had security cameras installed as well. Central Middle School will receive new security cameras as part of the school renovation project which will take place during the 2015-16 school year.

“I am extremely pleased that we were able to get this project completed, particularly at our elementary sites where we previously did not have security cameras,” added Quinn.

All security cameras throughout the district have the ability to be remotely accessed by site administrators as well as school resource officers. With verified login credentials, administrators can monitor their site at any given time. To ensure ease of use, BPSD technology staff received eight hours of training on the use and configuration of the cameras and recording equipment. Administrators were provided instruction by BPSD technology staff on how to effectively use the system, and a training session will be provided for administrators prior to the start of the 2014-15 school year.

The project was led by Digi Surveillance Systems in coordination with the BPSD technology department. BPSD Director of Technology Lori Patterson said, “The staff at every site was very supportive and accommodating during the entire project, and we now have a very good level of surveillance protection throughout the district.”