Benton County board adopts video-surveillance policy 3.221 on first and second readings

The Benton County Board of Education voted 8–0 to adopt policy 3.221, a new video-surveillance policy, on both its first and second readings during its November meeting. The board’s roll-call vote approved placing the policy into board binders and putting the rules into effect.

Board members credited samples from the Tennessee School Boards Association and a template used by Collierville schools as the basis for the policy. An unidentified board member who explained the item said the policy "is just a policy on how [video data] is handled and settings for administrators and parents to have" and that the committee used those samples to draft a local version. The policy was recommended by the Policy Committee, which met Oct. 16, 2025, and the full board adopted it as presented.

The director reported that new Avigilon camera systems have been installed districtwide and training will follow. Board members said the policy clarifies camera settings and access, and the director noted a few additional cameras may be needed in some locations. The board did not record any amendments during the vote.

Next steps: the policy was entered into the board’s policy binder after the vote and will be part of the board’s policy set going forward.