5.2 School Bus Video Camera Policy

Video cameras may be used in school buses to monitor the behavior of students. The purpose of using the camera is to permit the school bus driver to devote his attention to the safe operation of the vehicle while limiting the distraction of having to continuously monitor the behavior of students.

Each bus shall have posted in a place visible to all passengers the following sign:

"The action of passengers on this bus are subject to being recorded on video tape. Any misconduct or violation of bus rider rules by any passenger will subject the individual to the disciplinary rules of the Broken Arrow Public Schools."

Video tapes recorded aboard buses shall be viewed by administrators of the transportation department to determine if a student is responsible for any infractions of rules or misconduct for which disciplinary action should be taken. Administrators are authorized to take appropriate disciplinary action to correct the inappropriate behavior. If necessary, building administrators, where the student attends, may be asked to view the tape before disciplinary action is determined.

Video cameras will be rotated randomly throughout the buses operated by the district. This will include regular route buses, special education route buses, shuttle buses, and activity trip buses. There will be no discrimination with regard to the placement of the video cameras.

Video tapes will be retained routinely for no more than 30 days; provided, however, that if a disciplinary action is taken as a result of conduct disclosed by the video tape, that video tape shall be retained until such time as the disciplinary action is completed. A student disciplined as a result of the video tape, as well as his parents and legal guardian, shall have the opportunity to view the tape which is the basis for the disciplinary action.

The "School Bus Video Camera Policy" shall be disseminated to the students and patrons of the school district.

Source: Broken Arrow Board of Education policy adoption, June 21, 1993.