711.2R2 Use of Video Cameras on School Buses Regulation

Code No. 711.2R2

USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS ON SCHOOL BUSES REGULATION

The board supports the use of video cameras on school buses as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.  The video cameras may be used on buses used for transportation to and from school, field trips, curricular events and extracurricular events.  The contents of the recordings may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding.

Student Records

 The content of the recordings is a student record subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Only those persons with a legitimate educational purpose may view the videotapes. In most instances, those individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, transportation director, bus driver and special education staffing team.  A video recorded during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity.  If the content of the record becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it will be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

Notice

The school district will annually provide the following notice to students and parents: 

The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on school district buses. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior to maintain order on the school buses to promote and maintain a safe environment.  Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the recording may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding. The content of the recordings are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records.  Recordings will only be retained if necessary for use in a student disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration.  Parents may request to view recordings of their child if the recordings are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their child.

The following notice will also be placed on all school buses equipped with a video camera:

This bus is equipped with a video/audio monitoring system.

Review of Recordings

The school district will review recordings when necessary as a result of an incident reported by a bus driver or student.  The recordings may be re-circulated for erasure after14 days.

Viewing of recordings is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose.  A written log will be kept of those individuals viewing the recordings stating the time, name of individual viewing, and the date the record was viewed.

Video Monitoring System

Video cameras are on all route buses.

Determination of how video cameras will be used and which school buses will be equipped with video equipment will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the building principals and transportation director.

Student Conduct

Students are prohibited from tampering with the video cameras on the school buses. Students found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with the school district discipline policy and Good Conduct Rule and will reimburse the school district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

Approved: , Reviewed: 1/10/18, Revised: 9/13/23

Grinnell-Newburg School District, Grinnell, IA