Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District previews $385,523 bus-camera purchase; board to consider purchase and data-access protocol Oct. 28
Summary
Transportation staff proposed replacing and upgrading bus cameras across the fleet at an estimated cost of $385,523 and an annual recurring fee of $34,008. The new system would allow live-view capability and cellular streaming; the board will consider the purchase and a data-access protocol at its next meeting.
Central Unified’s transportation department presented a proposal Oct. 14 to upgrade the district’s onboard bus-camera systems to a Scion system that enables live viewing, forward-facing dash cameras and additional interior cameras where needed.
Why it matters: Live-view and improved on-board recording would let district staff verify recordings and detect offline systems earlier, improving evidence reliability for safety or student-conduct incidents. The one-time estimated project cost presented was $385,523 with an annual renewal/service cost of $34,008.
What staff presented: - System features: Live view, automated notifications if a system is offline, forward-facing dash cameras for every bus and additional interior cameras on select vehicles. Camera counts vary by bus size: large school buses were described as having about six to seven cameras (including the dash camera); smaller buses use fewer interior units. - Procurement and installation: District staff proposed a phased, three-stage installation to minimize bus downtime. Vendor and installation would use an existing cooperative contract (CalTIP/Faber Communications contract number referenced in packet). Installation timing could use major breaks (winter or spring) to expedite rollout. - Cost and maintenance: Total project estimate $385,523; recurring annual cellular and licensing fees estimated at $34,008. The cameras carry a three-year equipment warranty; staff estimated operational lifespans of 7–10 years depending on use and damage. - Data-access controls: Trustees asked who may access live feeds and stored video and under what conditions; the district said it will prepare a data-access protocol and return the item for board action with recommended language.
Board questions and next steps: Trustees asked about monitoring, who may view live streams, the phased installation timeline and repair/maintenance protocols. Staff said they will return the purchase for action on Oct. 28 and will provide recommended language defining authorized access and conditions for viewing or disclosing footage.
Speakers: Director Bach (Transportation) presented the item; Trustee Sellers and Trustee Kerfond asked technical and timeline questions.
