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School board approves first reading of video surveillance policy (E6); members ask about cameras and off-campus recording
Summary
The board approved the first reading of the video surveillance policy (E6), aligning it with VSBA guidance and acknowledging limited audio on some buses and vans; members questioned scope, dash cams in driver’s ed and staff recording at away events.
The Colchester School Board approved the first reading of the district’s video surveillance policy (E6) as part of routine policy housekeeping. Speaker 2 said the policy is in compliance with Vermont School Boards Association guidance and is used primarily for investigations, discipline and certain vehicles.
Speaker 2 noted the policy includes language about limited audio recording in some buses and vans. A board member asked whether surveillance requires fixed cameras or could include staff actively filming with district devices at off-campus events; Speaker 2 said district practice typically does not direct employees to film, and access to cameras at other venues varies by location and legal arrangements.
Board members asked specifically about driver’s ed vehicles and dash cams; Speaker 2 said dash cams have not been used in driver’s ed and that the district has not discussed adding them. The policy discussion emphasized balancing investigative usefulness with privacy and operational constraints.
Speaker 2 moved to approve the first reading; the motion passed by voice vote. The policy will return for a second reading and final adoption at a later meeting if no substantive changes are made.
Next steps: policy will proceed through the board’s review cycle; administrators will monitor how recordings from third parties or external venues relate to investigations.
