7440.01 Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring
7440.01 - VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING
Purpose and Scope
This guideline governs the implementation of video surveillance and electronic monitoring systems on school property, and in school buildings and school buses.
Board Policy 7440.01 and this guideline do not apply to District and parentally-created video recordings of school events (e.g. plays, music performances, athletic contests, graduation, Board meetings), video recordings used for instructional purposes and made with the consent of all parties recorded, video recordings made of individual teachers for the purpose of improving classroom instruction, or surveillance (covert or otherwise) undertaken by law enforcement officers.
Definitions:
Purpose and Scope
This guideline governs the implementation of video surveillance and electronic monitoring systems on school property, and in school buildings and school buses.
Board Policy 7440.01 and this guideline do not apply to District and parentally-created video recordings of school events (e.g. plays, music performances, athletic contests, graduation, Board meetings), video recordings used for instructional purposes and made with the consent of all parties recorded, video recordings made of individual teachers for the purpose of improving classroom instruction, or surveillance (covert or otherwise) undertaken by law enforcement officers.
Definitions:
A. Covert Surveillance – surveillance conducted by means of hidden devices, without notice to the individuals being monitored.
B. Personally Identifiable Information – all information about a student other than directory information, which is defined in Wis. Stat 19.62(5).
C. Video Recording – a videotape, CD, DVD, disk, hard drive, or other device used to store information (whether in printed format, on film, by digital/electronic means or otherwise) from a video surveillance/electronic monitoring system.
D. Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring System – a video, physical, or other mechanical, electronic or digital surveillance/electronic monitoring system or device that is permanently installed and enables continuous or periodic video recording, observing or monitoring of individuals on school premises, and in school buildings and school buses.
E. Portable Video Cameras – portable video cameras that may be carried by an individual and/or body-worn video cameras.
Approval
Before a video surveillance/electronic monitoring system is installed the District Administrator shall determine the necessity of having surveillance. The District Administrator should also identify proposed locations of the video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment.
Placement of Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring Equipment
The District Administrator is responsible for authorizing the locations where video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment is installed and operated.
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may not ordinarily be used inside a classroom, laboratory, or other area utilized as a classroom or study space. Absent extraordinary circumstances, video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may not be operated in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy by staff or students and where appropriate confidential or private activities/functions are routinely carried out (e.g. rest rooms, locker rooms, private offices, conference/meeting rooms, and/or staff lounges.) Any exception to this rule must first be authorized by the District Administrator on grounds that no other supervision option is feasible and that the need is pressing and outweighs the privacy interest of the students or other persons likely to be observed. Surveillance of such locations may not be authorized on an ongoing basis.
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment must be installed in a way that it only monitors those spaces that have been identified as requiring video surveillance – i.e. video cameras should not be directed to look through the windows of adjacent buildings, or onto adjacent property. Viewing areas off-campus, into neighboring property, into vehicles, or into any other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited. Absent express written authorization from the District Administrator, no sound is to be monitored or recorded in connection with the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system.
Notice of Surveillance
Parents will be informed whenever a school decides to install video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems.
Students, faculty, and staff must be informed at the beginning of each year that the school is using video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment to observe, monitor and/or record the behavior and activity of all persons on school property or grounds, or participating in school functions.
Each building or area in which video surveillance/electronic monitoring system is occurring shall have clearly written signs posted at conspicuous locations informing persons that the buildings and grounds may be under video surveillance. Signs shall be conspicuous enough in size so that a reasonable person would be able to view the contents of the sign and have reasonable and adequate warning that surveillance is, or may be, in operation. The signs must provide contact information of the building principal or a designated staff person who is responsible for answering questions about the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system. Any exception to the Notice requirement, such as for a time-limited specific investigation into criminal conduct, must be authorized by the District Administrator on the grounds that covert surveillance is essential to the success of the investigation and the need outweighs the privacy interests of the persons likely to be observed. Covert surveillance may not be authorized on an ongoing basis.
Operation of Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring Equipment
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be used to monitor and/or record behavior and activity of all persons on school property or grounds.
Although constant, real-time monitoring may not always be possible, it is expected that video images will be monitored on a scheduled basis.
Real-time viewing shall be limited to the building principal or his/her designees (e.g. security personnel, other administrators, and secretarial staff responsible for providing visitors with access to the building). Under certain circumstances, the District Administrator may contact local law enforcement to view the District's real-time video surveillance/electronic monitoring feeds. Circumstances warranting a review should be limited to instances where an incident is reported/observed or to investigate a potential crime or violation of Board Policy or the Student Code of Conduct.
If information is not viewed for law enforcement, school or public safety purpose – it should be routinely erased according to a standard schedule (i.e. they will be maintained for a period of seven (7) to thirty (30) calendar days. If information is viewed for law enforcement, school or public safety purposes, it must be retained for a minimum of one (1) year.
The District Administrator is responsible for the proper implementation and control of video surveillance/electronic monitoring system installed and operating in his/her building and premises. A periodic audit by the building principal of random images from the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system shall be conducted to verify that the equipment is operating properly and has not been blocked, moved or altered and that the images captured by the system are not inclusive of areas prohibited by this guideline or Board policy.
Only a designated employee or agent of the Board can install and operate video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment.
Use of Video Recordings
Information obtained through video surveillance/electronic monitoring shall be used exclusively for the purpose set out in policy – i.e. to enhance security for students, staff and visitors, and to assist in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity (theft/vandalism) and/or violations of Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct. Video recordings may be used by the Board/administration as evidence in any legal or disciplinary actions, and for inquiries and proceedings related to law enforcement. The video surveillance system/electronic monitoring will not ordinarily be used to monitor staff performance, but any evidence unintentionally obtained through its general use may be used in internal employment or labor-related investigations. Information shall not be retained or used for purposes other than those sanctioned by Board policy.
Any remote monitoring system must protect the integrity of the video surveillance system and include a system utilizing passwords or other identifiers to gain access. Monitoring shall only be conducted by authorized school or District administrators and designees (e.g. police officials). Likewise, network connected systems must not be openly accessible on the Internet; rather, they must be operated behind the District's firewall and password protected.
Misuse or abuse of the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system shall not be tolerated and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Board and District Administrator.
Viewing of Recordings
Authorized users of video surveillance/electronic monitoring system shall be approved by the District Administrator or building principal. Only individuals with a legitimate educational interest in the video recording shall be designated as authorized users. As such, video recordings may only be viewed by the building principal or individual authorizing the video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems installation, by parents and students (see below), or School District staff with a direct involvement with the recorded content of the specific video recording, or employees or agents responsible for the technical operation of the system (for technical purposes only).
Authorized users shall receive training regarding proper use of the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system equipment, rules regarding privacy, and Board policy. Authorized users shall restrict system use to that for which it is intended (i.e. maintenance of individual safety and property conservation).
Video monitors used to view video recordings should not be located in a position that enables public viewing. An individual may be refused permission to review a video recording where to allow it would:
B. Personally Identifiable Information – all information about a student other than directory information, which is defined in Wis. Stat 19.62(5).
C. Video Recording – a videotape, CD, DVD, disk, hard drive, or other device used to store information (whether in printed format, on film, by digital/electronic means or otherwise) from a video surveillance/electronic monitoring system.
D. Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring System – a video, physical, or other mechanical, electronic or digital surveillance/electronic monitoring system or device that is permanently installed and enables continuous or periodic video recording, observing or monitoring of individuals on school premises, and in school buildings and school buses.
E. Portable Video Cameras – portable video cameras that may be carried by an individual and/or body-worn video cameras.
Approval
Before a video surveillance/electronic monitoring system is installed the District Administrator shall determine the necessity of having surveillance. The District Administrator should also identify proposed locations of the video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment.
Placement of Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring Equipment
The District Administrator is responsible for authorizing the locations where video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment is installed and operated.
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may not ordinarily be used inside a classroom, laboratory, or other area utilized as a classroom or study space. Absent extraordinary circumstances, video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may not be operated in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy by staff or students and where appropriate confidential or private activities/functions are routinely carried out (e.g. rest rooms, locker rooms, private offices, conference/meeting rooms, and/or staff lounges.) Any exception to this rule must first be authorized by the District Administrator on grounds that no other supervision option is feasible and that the need is pressing and outweighs the privacy interest of the students or other persons likely to be observed. Surveillance of such locations may not be authorized on an ongoing basis.
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment must be installed in a way that it only monitors those spaces that have been identified as requiring video surveillance – i.e. video cameras should not be directed to look through the windows of adjacent buildings, or onto adjacent property. Viewing areas off-campus, into neighboring property, into vehicles, or into any other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited. Absent express written authorization from the District Administrator, no sound is to be monitored or recorded in connection with the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system.
Notice of Surveillance
Parents will be informed whenever a school decides to install video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems.
Students, faculty, and staff must be informed at the beginning of each year that the school is using video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment to observe, monitor and/or record the behavior and activity of all persons on school property or grounds, or participating in school functions.
Each building or area in which video surveillance/electronic monitoring system is occurring shall have clearly written signs posted at conspicuous locations informing persons that the buildings and grounds may be under video surveillance. Signs shall be conspicuous enough in size so that a reasonable person would be able to view the contents of the sign and have reasonable and adequate warning that surveillance is, or may be, in operation. The signs must provide contact information of the building principal or a designated staff person who is responsible for answering questions about the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system. Any exception to the Notice requirement, such as for a time-limited specific investigation into criminal conduct, must be authorized by the District Administrator on the grounds that covert surveillance is essential to the success of the investigation and the need outweighs the privacy interests of the persons likely to be observed. Covert surveillance may not be authorized on an ongoing basis.
Operation of Video Surveillance/Electronic Monitoring Equipment
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be used to monitor and/or record behavior and activity of all persons on school property or grounds.
Although constant, real-time monitoring may not always be possible, it is expected that video images will be monitored on a scheduled basis.
Real-time viewing shall be limited to the building principal or his/her designees (e.g. security personnel, other administrators, and secretarial staff responsible for providing visitors with access to the building). Under certain circumstances, the District Administrator may contact local law enforcement to view the District's real-time video surveillance/electronic monitoring feeds. Circumstances warranting a review should be limited to instances where an incident is reported/observed or to investigate a potential crime or violation of Board Policy or the Student Code of Conduct.
If information is not viewed for law enforcement, school or public safety purpose – it should be routinely erased according to a standard schedule (i.e. they will be maintained for a period of seven (7) to thirty (30) calendar days. If information is viewed for law enforcement, school or public safety purposes, it must be retained for a minimum of one (1) year.
The District Administrator is responsible for the proper implementation and control of video surveillance/electronic monitoring system installed and operating in his/her building and premises. A periodic audit by the building principal of random images from the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system shall be conducted to verify that the equipment is operating properly and has not been blocked, moved or altered and that the images captured by the system are not inclusive of areas prohibited by this guideline or Board policy.
Only a designated employee or agent of the Board can install and operate video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment.
Use of Video Recordings
Information obtained through video surveillance/electronic monitoring shall be used exclusively for the purpose set out in policy – i.e. to enhance security for students, staff and visitors, and to assist in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity (theft/vandalism) and/or violations of Board policy or the Student Code of Conduct. Video recordings may be used by the Board/administration as evidence in any legal or disciplinary actions, and for inquiries and proceedings related to law enforcement. The video surveillance system/electronic monitoring will not ordinarily be used to monitor staff performance, but any evidence unintentionally obtained through its general use may be used in internal employment or labor-related investigations. Information shall not be retained or used for purposes other than those sanctioned by Board policy.
Any remote monitoring system must protect the integrity of the video surveillance system and include a system utilizing passwords or other identifiers to gain access. Monitoring shall only be conducted by authorized school or District administrators and designees (e.g. police officials). Likewise, network connected systems must not be openly accessible on the Internet; rather, they must be operated behind the District's firewall and password protected.
Misuse or abuse of the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system shall not be tolerated and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Board and District Administrator.
Viewing of Recordings
Authorized users of video surveillance/electronic monitoring system shall be approved by the District Administrator or building principal. Only individuals with a legitimate educational interest in the video recording shall be designated as authorized users. As such, video recordings may only be viewed by the building principal or individual authorizing the video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems installation, by parents and students (see below), or School District staff with a direct involvement with the recorded content of the specific video recording, or employees or agents responsible for the technical operation of the system (for technical purposes only).
Authorized users shall receive training regarding proper use of the video surveillance/electronic monitoring system equipment, rules regarding privacy, and Board policy. Authorized users shall restrict system use to that for which it is intended (i.e. maintenance of individual safety and property conservation).
Video monitors used to view video recordings should not be located in a position that enables public viewing. An individual may be refused permission to review a video recording where to allow it would:
A. be an unreasonable invasion of a third party's personal privacy;
B. give rise to a concern for the safety of a third party;
C. constitute an unauthorized disclosure of student personally identifiable information under State and/or Federal law; or
D. interfere with or compromise a law enforcement investigation/matter.
If an individual is prohibited from reviewing a video recording, the building principal will view it and report to the person what is contained on the recording.
Retention, Secure Storage, Access to and Disposal of Video Recordings
Video recordings, when not in use, shall be stored in a locked, fire resistant cabinet or room, in an area to which students and the public do not normally have access. The recordings must be clearly and properly labeled and entered into a storage log.
Access to and viewing of video recordings is limited to authorized personnel. The building principal is responsible for maintaining a proper audit trail for all video recordings (i.e. logs must be maintained of all instances of access to, and use of, recorded material – the log must document the person accessing the recording, the date and time of access, and the purpose). The building principal shall approve requests for access to recorded and stored video images. The building principal may authorize the viewing of recorded images in the event of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, an incident involving property damage or loss, or for other reasons deemed appropriate.
All video recordings to be taken off-site must be signed out by the requestor and the building principal. When returned, the requestor who originally signed the recording out and the building principal shall sign the recording back in. All video surveillance/electronic monitoring recording media shall be considered legal evidence and treated as confidential or as directed by Board Counsel. Release of original video recordings to individuals or outside agencies may only occur pursuant to subpoena or court order after the same has been reviewed by Board Counsel.
Original video recordings shall never be edited or manipulated in any manner. When video recordings are requested by any law enforcement agency as part of an ongoing investigation, a duplicate may be provided for that purpose. The original media shall be protected from accidental overwrite or erasure during the duplicating process. Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the redaction of personally identifiable information from duplicated media when mandated by FERPA.
Video recordings may never be sold publicly, viewed or distributed in any other fashion except as provided for by Board policy and this guideline, and consistent with State and Federal law.
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring recordings shall be retained, stored and destroyed, including storage log books, pursuant to the District's Records Retention Schedule.
Video recordings, scheduled to be destroyed must be securely disposed of in such a way that the personal information cannot be reconstructed or retrieved (e.g. shredding, burning, magnetically erasing the personal information).
Covert Surveillance
Because covert surveillance is highly privacy-invasive, it may only be used as a last resort in limited case-specific circumstances, and in a time-limited manner (i.e. it must be the only available option under the circumstances and the benefits derived from the personal information obtained far outweigh the violation of privacy of the individuals observed).
© Neola 2012
B. give rise to a concern for the safety of a third party;
C. constitute an unauthorized disclosure of student personally identifiable information under State and/or Federal law; or
D. interfere with or compromise a law enforcement investigation/matter.
If an individual is prohibited from reviewing a video recording, the building principal will view it and report to the person what is contained on the recording.
Retention, Secure Storage, Access to and Disposal of Video Recordings
Video recordings, when not in use, shall be stored in a locked, fire resistant cabinet or room, in an area to which students and the public do not normally have access. The recordings must be clearly and properly labeled and entered into a storage log.
Access to and viewing of video recordings is limited to authorized personnel. The building principal is responsible for maintaining a proper audit trail for all video recordings (i.e. logs must be maintained of all instances of access to, and use of, recorded material – the log must document the person accessing the recording, the date and time of access, and the purpose). The building principal shall approve requests for access to recorded and stored video images. The building principal may authorize the viewing of recorded images in the event of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, an incident involving property damage or loss, or for other reasons deemed appropriate.
All video recordings to be taken off-site must be signed out by the requestor and the building principal. When returned, the requestor who originally signed the recording out and the building principal shall sign the recording back in. All video surveillance/electronic monitoring recording media shall be considered legal evidence and treated as confidential or as directed by Board Counsel. Release of original video recordings to individuals or outside agencies may only occur pursuant to subpoena or court order after the same has been reviewed by Board Counsel.
Original video recordings shall never be edited or manipulated in any manner. When video recordings are requested by any law enforcement agency as part of an ongoing investigation, a duplicate may be provided for that purpose. The original media shall be protected from accidental overwrite or erasure during the duplicating process. Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the redaction of personally identifiable information from duplicated media when mandated by FERPA.
Video recordings may never be sold publicly, viewed or distributed in any other fashion except as provided for by Board policy and this guideline, and consistent with State and Federal law.
Video surveillance/electronic monitoring recordings shall be retained, stored and destroyed, including storage log books, pursuant to the District's Records Retention Schedule.
Video recordings, scheduled to be destroyed must be securely disposed of in such a way that the personal information cannot be reconstructed or retrieved (e.g. shredding, burning, magnetically erasing the personal information).
Covert Surveillance
Because covert surveillance is highly privacy-invasive, it may only be used as a last resort in limited case-specific circumstances, and in a time-limited manner (i.e. it must be the only available option under the circumstances and the benefits derived from the personal information obtained far outweigh the violation of privacy of the individuals observed).
© Neola 2012
7440.01 - VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING
The Board of Education authorizes the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment at various school sites throughout the District and on school buses.
The District Administrator is responsible for determining where to install and operate fixed-location video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment in the District. The determination of where and when to use video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment will be made in a nondiscriminatory manner. Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be placed in common areas in the building (e.g. school hallways, entryways, the front office where students, employees and visitors are permitted to freely come and go, gymnasiums, cafeterias, libraries), the school parking lots and other outside areas, and in school buses. Except in extraordinary circumstances and with the written authorization of the District Administrator, video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment shall not be used in areas where persons have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g. restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, private offices (unless there is express consent given by the office occupant), or conference/meeting rooms), or in individual classrooms during instructional times.
Any person who takes action to block, move, or alter the location and/or viewing angle of a video camera shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Legible and visible signs shall be placed at the main entrance to the building and in the areas where video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment is in use to notify people that their actions/behavior are being monitored/recorded. Additionally, the Superintendent is directed to annually notify parents and students via school newsletters and the Student Handbook, and staff via the Staff Handbook, of the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems in their schools.
Any information obtained from video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems may only be used to support the orderly operation of the School District's schools and facilities, and for law enforcement purposes, and not for any other purposes. As such, recordings obtained through the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be used as evidence in any disciplinary proceedings, administrative proceeding or criminal proceeding, subject to Board policy and regulations. Further, such recordings may become a part of a student's education record or staff member's personnel file.
Ordinarily video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment will not be used to make an audio recording of conversation occurring on school grounds or property.
The Board will not use video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment to obtain information for the purpose of routine staff appraisal/evaluation or monitoring.
Recordings of students will be treated as confidential. Consequently, because the Board is bound by Wisconsin Pupil Records Statute and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), copies of video recordings containing personal identifiable information about students shall not be released except to school officials with legitimate educational interests. Parents or guardians of minor students, and students who are eighteen (18) years of age or older, who are charged with disciplinary violations may view relevant portions of any video recording related to the charge, upon written request to the District Administrator, provided that viewing the recording does not violate State and/or Federal law (i.e. the privacy rights of any other students whose images appear on the recording). Likewise, school personnel may view relevant portions of any video relating to any disciplinary charge against them, upon written request to the District Administrator, provided that viewing the recording does not violate State and/or Federal law (i.e. the privacy rights of any students whose images appear on the recordings). Otherwise, such confidential recordings shall only be released through subpoena or court order.
The Board shall maintain video surveillance/electronic monitoring recordings for a limited period. Any request to view a recording under this policy must be made within thirty (30) days of the event/incident. Unless a formal complaint is being investigated, recordings shall be destroyed after thirty (30) days. If, however, action is taken by the Board/administration, as a result of a formal complaint or incident, recordings shall be kept for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the action taken. Recordings may also be kept beyond the normal retention period if they are going to be utilized for training purposes.
This policy does not address or cover instances where school officials record a specific event (e.g. a play, music performance, athletic contest, graduation, or Board meeting), or an isolated instance where a classroom is videotaped for educational or research purposes. Authorized videotaping for educational, instructional and/or research purposes is permitted and is not addressed by this policy.
The District Administrator is directed to develop administrative guidelines to address the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment in the building, school buses and on property owned and/or operated by the Board.
Video surveillance is to be implemented in accordance with this policy and the related guidelines. The Board will not accept or tolerate the improper use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment and will take appropriate action in any cases of wrongful use of this policy.
19.31 – 19.39, 118.125 Wis. Stats.
FERPA 20 U.S.C. 1232g
34 C.F.R. 99.1-99.67
Title I of the Electronic Communication Privacy Act of 1986
18 U.S.C. 2510-2521
© Neola 2009
The Board of Education authorizes the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment at various school sites throughout the District and on school buses.
The District Administrator is responsible for determining where to install and operate fixed-location video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment in the District. The determination of where and when to use video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment will be made in a nondiscriminatory manner. Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be placed in common areas in the building (e.g. school hallways, entryways, the front office where students, employees and visitors are permitted to freely come and go, gymnasiums, cafeterias, libraries), the school parking lots and other outside areas, and in school buses. Except in extraordinary circumstances and with the written authorization of the District Administrator, video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment shall not be used in areas where persons have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g. restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, private offices (unless there is express consent given by the office occupant), or conference/meeting rooms), or in individual classrooms during instructional times.
Any person who takes action to block, move, or alter the location and/or viewing angle of a video camera shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Legible and visible signs shall be placed at the main entrance to the building and in the areas where video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment is in use to notify people that their actions/behavior are being monitored/recorded. Additionally, the Superintendent is directed to annually notify parents and students via school newsletters and the Student Handbook, and staff via the Staff Handbook, of the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems in their schools.
Any information obtained from video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems may only be used to support the orderly operation of the School District's schools and facilities, and for law enforcement purposes, and not for any other purposes. As such, recordings obtained through the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be used as evidence in any disciplinary proceedings, administrative proceeding or criminal proceeding, subject to Board policy and regulations. Further, such recordings may become a part of a student's education record or staff member's personnel file.
Ordinarily video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment will not be used to make an audio recording of conversation occurring on school grounds or property.
The Board will not use video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment to obtain information for the purpose of routine staff appraisal/evaluation or monitoring.
Recordings of students will be treated as confidential. Consequently, because the Board is bound by Wisconsin Pupil Records Statute and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), copies of video recordings containing personal identifiable information about students shall not be released except to school officials with legitimate educational interests. Parents or guardians of minor students, and students who are eighteen (18) years of age or older, who are charged with disciplinary violations may view relevant portions of any video recording related to the charge, upon written request to the District Administrator, provided that viewing the recording does not violate State and/or Federal law (i.e. the privacy rights of any other students whose images appear on the recording). Likewise, school personnel may view relevant portions of any video relating to any disciplinary charge against them, upon written request to the District Administrator, provided that viewing the recording does not violate State and/or Federal law (i.e. the privacy rights of any students whose images appear on the recordings). Otherwise, such confidential recordings shall only be released through subpoena or court order.
The Board shall maintain video surveillance/electronic monitoring recordings for a limited period. Any request to view a recording under this policy must be made within thirty (30) days of the event/incident. Unless a formal complaint is being investigated, recordings shall be destroyed after thirty (30) days. If, however, action is taken by the Board/administration, as a result of a formal complaint or incident, recordings shall be kept for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the action taken. Recordings may also be kept beyond the normal retention period if they are going to be utilized for training purposes.
This policy does not address or cover instances where school officials record a specific event (e.g. a play, music performance, athletic contest, graduation, or Board meeting), or an isolated instance where a classroom is videotaped for educational or research purposes. Authorized videotaping for educational, instructional and/or research purposes is permitted and is not addressed by this policy.
The District Administrator is directed to develop administrative guidelines to address the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment in the building, school buses and on property owned and/or operated by the Board.
Video surveillance is to be implemented in accordance with this policy and the related guidelines. The Board will not accept or tolerate the improper use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment and will take appropriate action in any cases of wrongful use of this policy.
19.31 – 19.39, 118.125 Wis. Stats.
FERPA 20 U.S.C. 1232g
34 C.F.R. 99.1-99.67
Title I of the Electronic Communication Privacy Act of 1986
18 U.S.C. 2510-2521
© Neola 2009