Mahopac Central School District

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to maintain and improve discipline and to insure the safety and welfare of its staff and students on school transportation vehicles.

After having carefully considered and balanced the rights of privacy with the district’s duty to ensure discipline, health, welfare and safety of staff and students on school transportation vehicles, the Board authorizes the use of video cameras on its school buses.

In some situations, video cameras may be placed on buses from time to time to monitor student behavior on school vehicles transporting students to and from school or extracurricular activities. Video cameras help to promote desired student behavior, and permit bus drivers to pay more attention to the safe operation of the bus.

Students in violation of bus conduct rules shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established Board policy and regulations governing student conduct and discipline.

All tapes produced through the use of the video cameras are the property of the district, which has exclusive jurisdiction over their use. The district shall comply with all applicable State and Federal laws related to student records when such recordings are considered for retention as part of the student’s record.

Video recordings shall be used primarily for the purpose of evidence for disciplining students. However, the district may use such recordings for any other purpose it deems appropriate.

The Superintendent of Schools may develop regulations governing the use of video cameras in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and established Board policies and regulations.