School district plans $850,000 investment in camera and server upgrades for security

In a pivotal meeting held on April 7, 2025, the Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Board of Education gathered to discuss the district's capital budget for the 2025-26 school year, with a significant focus on enhancing school security through updated camera and server systems. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as officials presented a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the aging infrastructure that currently supports the district's surveillance needs.

The presentation highlighted a request for $850,000 to upgrade and expand the existing camera systems across the district's 44 schools. This investment is part of a broader ten-year plan projected to cost around $5 million, aimed at replacing outdated cameras and servers that have not seen upgrades in over four years. The need for this overhaul is underscored by the fact that many schools are still using older cameras with lower image quality, which poses not only a security risk but also a potential cybersecurity threat as these devices age and cease to receive necessary updates.

The proposed upgrades will refresh over 20% of the camera streams and nearly 30% of the servers, ensuring that the district can maintain a reliable and efficient surveillance system. The presentation emphasized the importance of a consistent, district-wide camera system, which has been standardized since 2014 to streamline maintenance and support. This shift to a sole source vendor has already proven beneficial, reducing confusion and delays in service.

Board members engaged in a thoughtful discussion following the presentation, with some noting that newer schools sometimes had inferior systems compared to older ones that had been upgraded. This observation highlighted the complexity of managing technology across various school facilities and the necessity of a unified approach to security.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed their support for the proposed budget, recognizing the critical role that updated security systems play in ensuring the safety of students and staff. The discussions not only reflected a commitment to enhancing school safety but also underscored the importance of proactive investment in technology to meet the evolving needs of the district. The CCS Board of Education is poised to make a significant impact on school security, setting a precedent for future investments in educational infrastructure.