Board approves up to $875,000 for new AI-capable security cameras; district says no facial recognition will be used

The School District of Clayton Board of Education authorized administration to negotiate a contract with Warner Communications to supply and install an AI-capable security camera system at Clayton High School and Wydown Middle School for a proposal cost not to exceed $875,000 plus contingency.

District staff described a competitive review that included facilities, safety and technology staff. John said two finalist systems were considered: a Genetec system that records to on-site DVRs and a system that records to the cloud. Staff recommended a cloud-based system for ease of use by building administrators and reduced ongoing support demands on the technology team; the recommended system was described in the meeting as the Verkada system integrated by Warner Communications.

During discussion, board member Dan asked whether the AI capability would result in personally identifiable information being tied to students. John said the district will not implement facial recognition that associates a name with an image. He said the AI features allow searches by face or by description of clothing to follow a person through a building, but the district is not pursuing name-based facial recognition.

Board members asked about product lifespan; John said the cameras are expected to be a 10-year product with possible component replacements. After discussion the board voted by voice and the motion passed.

The motion authorizes administration to negotiate a contract with Warner Communications; the transcript records no final contract document or final contingency amount beyond the not-to-exceed figure presented to the board.