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 videos may be used as evidence in a
student disciplinary proceeding.
Student Records
The content of the videos 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 videos. 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 video 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 North Mahaska 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 videos may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding. The content of the videos are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records.
Videos 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 videos of their child if the videos 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 Videos
The school district will review videos when necessary as a result of an incident reported by a bus driver or student and randomly.
Viewing of videos is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose. A written log will be kept of those individuals viewing the videos stating the time,
name of individual viewing and the date the video was viewed.
Video Monitoring System
Video cameras will be used on only a select number of school district 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 4-16-12
Reviewed
Revised
