School board directs superintendent to pursue stop‑arm camera ordinance and partnerships to curb bus stop violations

The New Hanover County Schools Board unanimously directed the superintendent to work with county commissioners and the sheriff’s office to pursue a county ordinance enabling the use of stop‑arm cameras on school buses.

Board members described recent legislation that allows localities to use third‑party companies to review camera images, verify stop‑arm violations and forward verified incidents to law enforcement for citations. Supporters said the program could deter motorists from illegally passing stopped school buses and that some vendors provide camera equipment and processing in exchange for a revenue split that could generate income for the district.

Several board members said safety was the primary motive. “Even if we just break even to keep our students safer, it should be number one on all of our lists,” said one member during the discussion. Other members pressed for clarity on enforcement and potential penalties beyond fines; the superintendent and members noted that specific ordinance language and enforcement mechanisms would need to be worked out with the sheriff’s office and county commissioners.

The board voted to move the matter from the information section to new business and then voted 7 to 0 to direct the superintendent to pursue the ordinance and vendor discussions.

Why it matters: School‑bus stop‑arm violations pose a risk to students boarding or leaving buses. The board framed the proposal as both a safety measure and a possible revenue source to replace prior red‑light camera income.

What happens next: The superintendent will coordinate with the county and sheriff to draft an ordinance and evaluate vendors; further details including costs, enforcement protocols and revenue sharing were not specified and will return to the board for future approval.