VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

The Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD Board of Trustees recognizes the school's continuing responsibility to maintain order and an appropriate learning environment in and around schools to ensure the safety of staff and students. After carefully balancing the need for safety with student and staff interests in privacy, the Board of Trustees supports the use of video surveillance cameras on school grounds and in areas of common use within the buildings. Areas of common use include but may not be limited to parking lots, school entrances, hallways, cafeterias, libraries and gymnasiums. In an effort to maintain order and school safety, the cameras may be used to monitor activities in and around the school property at any time.

Notice of use of video cameras for safety and security purposes will be provided to students, parents and staff in appropriate handbooks on an annual basis.

Appropriate signage indicating the use of video cameras will be displayed outside and within the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor School Department buildings.

Violations of Board of Trustees policies/procedures and school rules viewed or recorded on the video surveillance system shall be addressed in accordance with the applicable Board of Trustee policies and /or school rules. In addition, evidence of illegal activities may be referred to law enforcement authorities. (In regard to such video recordings, the school system will comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal law concerning staff and student records).

The Superintendent is responsible for the development of administrative procedures regarding the use of the video surveillance system. Such procedures will provide a process for review when significant violations of the staff or student discipline/conduct code occur.  Procedures will also address monitoring of cameras and requests to view video recordings, retention of video recordings, the security of video cameras and recordings, the school official(s) responsible for purchase, installation, maintenance, replacement of equipment, and scheduling and placement of cameras.

Cross Reference: 

EEAEFA-R - Video Surveillance on School Property Administrative Procedure

JRA - Student Educational Records

Approved:       June 2, 2010