Commission approves replacement and additional parking-lot cameras at Science Hill and Liberty Bell schools

Johnson City commissioners on May 1 approved funding to replace and add parking-lot security cameras at Science Hill and Liberty Bell high schools, staff said, as part of a safety-improvement project to address aging equipment and coverage gaps.

A school-district representative said the replacements address cameras originally installed in February 2008 at Science Hill and in 2012 at Liberty Bell. The presentation explained student movement and facility renovations at Liberty Bell — including added gym and cafeteria space and enclosed ramps — changed sight lines and created coverage gaps that new camera locations and replacement units would address.

"This project will cover Science Hill and Liberty Bell both," the presenter said, explaining the work involves repositioning some cameras and adding cameras where coverage is inadequate. The commission asked whether the system upgrades would improve safety; commissioners and staff emphasized the use of technology to supplement student safety efforts.

The commission voted to approve the project and move forward with procurement and installation. Staff said the upgrades are replacement and repositioning work rather than construction of new buildings and that future site-plan changes would be required for major alterations.