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District begins public comment on Smart Schools camera expansion; plan would use remaining bond funds for elementary and middle-school cameras
Summary
The district opened the 30-day public-comment period for a Smart Schools Bond Act investment plan that would use remaining funds to install security cameras in elementary and middle-school buildings and proceed to a public hearing on April 8.
The West Seneca board began the required public-comment period on March 4 for a Smart Schools Bond Act investment plan that would use remaining Smart Schools funds to expand school-security camera coverage.
District staff reported that the district’s initial Smart Schools allocation was roughly $4.2 million and that about $3.6 million was previously used to upgrade network infrastructure (not device purchases). The remaining allocation (around $600,000) is proposed for camera systems and associated design work for elementary and middle-school buildings. Presenters said the elementary camera expansion will cover five elementary buildings and that a separate camera design for middle-school buildings will be coordinated with the high-school camera installations already underway.
Officials outlined the public process required by the Smart Schools program: a 30-day public-comment period (started March 4), the opportunity to submit written input to district staff, a public hearing at the April 8 board meeting, and then final board approval and submission to the State Education Department if the board adopts a final plan for approval. Presenters said, contingent on approval, elementary camera installation could occur during the 2025–26 school year and middle-school installations would follow design and state approval.
District staff emphasized that camera locations and specifications were developed in collaboration with elementary principals, school resource officers and the district technology and facilities teams to ensure broad stakeholder input. The district also said it used a Dormitory Authority grant to support parts of its high-school camera project and that outdoor camera work will be completed as weather permits.
The board chair and administration invited public comment during the 30-day window and scheduled the formal public hearing for April 8 as required by the Smart Schools process.
