Howard County uses one camera ? if needed ? to record inappropriate or violent behavior on its more than 400 school buses.
“We want to make sure students, parents and the public have knowledge that we [can] have video cameras on buses and that they could be taped,” said David Ramsay, the school system?s transportation supervisor.
“We want to be very transparent so that there?ll be no surprises.”
If bus drivers suspect problematic behavior is occurring behind their backs, they may request the camera, he said
Permanent cameras on all buses are unlikely because they?re expensive, Ramsay said.
This surveillance system has been in place for at least 15 years, he said.
The school system awards contracts to private bus owners and companies, and administers the contracts. Bus companies couldn?t be reached for contact.
Although the school calendar handbook informs the public about the use of such cameras, school officials want to stress that they?re being used to monitor student behavior and maintain bus safety.
Camera-use procedures on buses state, “Cameras are randomly and selectively used on school buses as a student management tool. Video and audio recordings are strictly maintained in the Pupil Transportation Office.”
The transportation department now is suggesting school principals include more specific statements in their next handbooks or newsletters, said David Drown, the school system?s director of transportation.
Mary Jane Barbato-Grauso, president of the PTA Council of Howard County, said she knew about the cameras but didn?t know how many were used.
“I think it?s a good idea, so kids are at their best behavior,” she said.
“And I hope that?s what they?re being used for.”
According to the transportation office, the camera system may be installed on buses at the request of school principals, the bus driver/contractor or the discretion of the transportation department supervisor.
“It has proven to assist us, if we were having difficulty with student behavior on the bus, as a validation tool,” Ramsay said.
