Students and teachers in Howe Sound schools can now be monitored by the ever-present eye of a video camera after School District No. 48 (SD 48) trustees passed a motion allowing schools to use video surveillance at their discretion.
The motion was passed at the last board meeting Feb. 11 to allow schools to enhance the safety of students and others on school premises and school buses, to deter destructive acts of vandalism, and to prevent theft of student and school property.
Some 撸奶社区schools had been using video surveillance for the past several months, but were forced to discontinue the use of the cameras when concerns arose involving student privacy issues.
"We thought we should look at it district-wide," said Board Chair Amy Shoup. "We wanted feedback from the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), the teachers association, C.U.P.E., principals and vice-principals and any community members who had concerns."
According to school board policy, video surveillance, like other forms of student supervision, must be carried out in a way that respects student privacy rights. A recorded tape is recognized to be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Other detailed policies state that camera locations must be authorized by the building administrator, and a report must be provided to the superintendent of schools describing the circumstances that indicate the necessity of surveillance at that site, including a discussion of less invasive alternatives.
Schools wishing to proceed with video surveillance must also have proper security for cameras and videotapes, and they must advise students and parents that a camera system is in place on school property and on school buses.
Three schools in 撸奶社区already have cameras rolling.
Howe Sound Secondary School currently has one camera which overlooks one of the school's main hallways, which has been used in the past and is currently in operation.
"Some people find it invasive and it's a touchy subject - but it's there for the protection of our students," said principal Peter Hotston. "It's mainly there as a deterrent for vandalism and it has helped. We haven't had to check the camera to review any incidences for several months."
Because of a problem with after-hours and weekend vandalism, a panning video camera is being used at Garibaldi Highlands Elementary to monitor the playground and parking lot area.
"We incur a fair bit of vandalism at night so this gives us an opportunity to monitor the situation," said principal Brent Speidel.
"It's a deterrent to vandalism in terms of monitoring the property. It's just a way of helping us keep tabs on any situation and for the safety of our students. We'll use it within the context of board policies and follow the guidelines as they've been laid out."
At Mamquam Elementary, a recent bicycle theft problem has been a cause for alarm to have a camera installed to monitor the bike rack.
Al Ross from the Tantalus Bike Shop offered to organize a fundraiser to raise money for the purchase of a camera to alleviate the problem.
"It makes sense," said Ross. "If there's a camera there we should be able to catch people stealing bikes. It's a shame that kids with nice bikes can't even ride them to school. Even some bikes with huge locks have been cut through during the day - whoever stole those bikes wasn't shy about it."
The costs for the purchase, installation and daily operation of the cameras will come out of the budget of the schools who choose to use them.
