The Grand Rapids Public Schools authorizes the use of surveillance cameras on school buses and on District property to ensure the health, welfare and safety of all scholars, employees and visitors; and to safeguard District facilities, vehicles and equipment.
Surveillance cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent of Schools (or designee) or Executive Director of Public Safety (or designee) but shall not be used in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
The District shall notify scholars, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and employees through handbooks, information guides, and/or other means of communication that surveillance may occur on school buses and on District property. Scholars or employees in violation of Board policies, administrative directives, school rules or law shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Illegal activities of scholars, employees or others shall be referred to appropriate law enforcement.
Scholars or employees who vandalize, damage, disable or render inoperable surveillance cameras and/or equipment shall be responsible for such losses, damages and costs, and shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Video, and/or audio recordings may become a part of a scholar’s educational record or an employee’s personnel file. Video, and/or audio recording may be released to Law Enforcement, and may be used in a criminal investigation when such images may aid in the investigation. No video or audio recording shall be released to any scholar, Parent/ Guardian or employee. Video recordings may be released to third parties or applicants in conformance with the provisions contained in the Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 442.
The District shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to recording, maintaining and retaining video recordings. Only the District or school administrators, public safety/security officers and members of the police shall have access to video monitors while they are in operation. Records should be viewed on a need to know basis only, in such a manner as to avoid public viewing.
*Parents will not be allowed to view video.