Benton County Board approves video surveillance policy 3.221 on first and second reading

The Benton County Board of Education voted 8–0 to approve Policy 3.221, a new video surveillance policy, on both its first and second readings.

Board members said the policy is intended to formalize how the district uses and manages the district’s updated surveillance systems. "With us putting all the new security cameras in ... I reached out to TSBA, and they sent a few samples," said Mister Points, who explained the draft draws on model language provided by TSBA and other districts. He said the policy lays out settings and administrative access for camera systems and clarifies how parents and administrators can interact with footage and system controls.

The policy committee had recommended Policy 3.221 for placement on the November agenda after meeting on Oct. 16, 2025. Board members conducted a roll-call vote; the chair announced "8 yes," and the board said the policy would be added to the district's policy binders and treated as active after the vote.

Board leaders said they will include a short demonstration of the new Avigilon camera systems in an upcoming fall-planning session to show how the policy applies in practice. The board did not record additional amendments to the text during the meeting.

The policy approval follows committee review; the policy will appear in board materials and be available per normal policy distribution procedures.