Board update: cameras, intercoms and SRO training as campus safety upgrades continue
Summary
District safety staff told the board that upgraded cameras, new intercom systems and continued law-enforcement training have reduced some on-campus vandalism and vaping incidents, though problems persist in bathroom areas and when inmates or students are moved in justice-involved programs.
District safety and site staff reported progress on safety systems and practices. The update covered surveillance-camera rollouts, intercom upgrades with preprogrammed response scripts, ALICE active-shooter training and expanded cooperation with local law enforcement. Staff also reviewed site-specific issues such as bathroom vandalism and vaping.
What staff said
- Cameras and intercom upgrades: The district continues to install high-definition cameras and upgraded intercom systems on all campuses. Staff described the ability to broadcast standardized, pre-scripted intercom messages and to use strobe/indicator lights tied to incident types (example: code colors for lockdowns and other responses).
- Law enforcement partnerships and SRO activities: School resource officers and county sheriff partners provide training and support. Staff noted the district has arrangements to allow vetted law-enforcement access for incident response and that the sheriff and Auburn PD help with active-shooter and restraint training for staff.
- Vaping and vandalism: Staff reported a decline in reported vaping and vandalism incidents since the camera rollouts but said problems persist. Bathroom vandalism — including objects shoved into toilets — continues to cause temporary bathroom closures while facilities address damage.
- Justice-involved instruction continuity: PSA highlighted an investment in secure learning tablets deployed in jail housing units so students can continue vetted coursework during lockdowns or housing moves; staff said the tablets’ content is restricted and monitored.
Board questions
Trustees asked how often outside law enforcement tests camera access and whether camera coverage reduces vaping and vandalism; staff said their partners occasionally exercise access and that campuses report fewer incidents but that some students still find ways to misbehave. Trustees requested ongoing incident and usage metrics.
Speakers
- Peter (district safety/business office lead) and named campus safety staff (Kevin, Adam, Anna) — presenters - Trustees and site principals asked clarifying questions
Ending
Staff will continue phased camera and intercom installations, provide data on incident trends and meet with law-enforcement partners to confirm testing and access protocols.
