Buildings constitute one of the greatest investments of the school district.  It is in the best interest of pupils and public to protect that investment adequately. 

Security means more than having locks and being sure that they are locked at the proper time, security also means 

1.             minimizing fire hazards. 

2.            identifying and replacing faulty equipment. 

3.            guarding against the chance of electrical shock. 

4.            keeping records and funds in a secure place. 

5.            protection against vandalism and burglary. 

Electronic Surveillance 

The West Milford Board of Education supports the use of electronic surveillance systems on school property as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for the students and employees to serve as a deterrent to theft and/or vandalism.  The recorded content of the electronic surveillance system may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary hearing.

Student Records 

The content produced by the electronic surveillance system, under certain circumstances, may be considered a student record, in which event it will be subject to the West Milford Board of Education=s policy and administrative procedure regarding confidential student records.  If the content of the electronic surveillance system becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding, and the district declares such use to be legitimate educational interest. 

Notice 

The West Milford Township Public School District, under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools or designee, will annually provide the following notice to students and parents at the start of each school year: 

The West Milford Board of Education has authorized the use of electronic surveillance systems on school property.  The system will be used to monitor student behavior in order to promote and maintain a safe environment for all students.  Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the surveillance system may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding.  Surveillance content will be routinely erased on a periodic basis and 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 surveillance contents if the surveillance contents are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their child. 

The above notice will be posted in a prominent, public place in buildings where electronic surveillance systems are being used. 

Students are prohibited from tampering with any electronic surveillance systems.  Students found in violation of this shall be disciplined in accordance with district disciplinary policy and shall reimburse the district for any repairs or replacements necessary as a result of the tampering.  The use of the video surveillance system in the school shall be supervised and controlled by the building administrator. 

The electronic surveillance systems shall not be used in private areas on school property such as restrooms, locker rooms, etc. 

The Superintendent of Schools is directed to establish such rules and regulations as may be needed to provide for security in the sense outlined above. 

First Reading: September 23, 2003
Adopted:         October 28, 2003