In keeping with the guidelines of our superintendent’s motto, “Moving from Good to Great,” the transportation department has installed and implemented one of the most elite camera systems available on all of our buses.  These cameras will allow bus drivers to focus more on the road and less on what’s going on in the back of the bus.  This system may also be used to monitor the performance of the driver in the fulfillment of his/her duties on the bus.

This digital system is comprised of three cameras strategically placed in each bus to see all student seats, the driver’s compartment, the bus entrance, and stairwell.  The 80 gigabyte hard drive is designed to record up to 40 hours, without erasing any information. 

The system is also equipped with a panic button, located in the driver’s compartment, which will allow the driver to pinpoint an incident at the time it occurs.  When the panic button is pushed, all three cameras capture an image simultaneously.  The feature is beneficial because the official handling the incident would not have to watch the entire video. When that particular incident is viewed, the display screen shows all three images at the same time. 

Since the cameras are not hidden, students should know that they are being recorded. Video surveillance, as a preventative measure on school buses, has been shown to enhance the management of problem behavior on the buses. Video information provides a mechanism to review the school bus environment and initiate problem solving strategies to remediate undesirable behaviors.  The video surveillance system, also, provide liability protection in case there is legal action against the driver.

Video surveillance systems are a long-term investment for school districts that must be periodically maintained and adjusted. If they are used properly, a surveillance system can promote student safety, prevent discipline problems, and deter vandalism.