Dayton board deadlocks on Flock camera contract after privacy concerns

The Dayton Board of Education voted down a proposed contract for Flock camera services after a 3–3 tie on Dec. 16, leaving the district without a new agreement for the vendor under discussion.

Board members raised several concerns in advance of the separate vote, including emails from community members worried that outside agencies — specifically immigration enforcement — could use footage generated by the cameras. A board member said the emails asked whether the district was “exposed” by the system and how the district would protect immigrant students and families.

Dr. Jones, who presented the contracts, said the district has used Flock and “it hasn’t been an issue up to this point” but acknowledged staff could not “definitively” guarantee future uses. Dr. Reilen added that, to his knowledge, the Flock system “does not do any type of facial recognition” and that the product captures license-plate numbers and vehicle descriptions; he said access for outside agencies can be granted or revoked by the district.

Several members asked to split the contract votes so the board could approve other vendors while treating Flock separately. The bulk of the contract package passed earlier; when the board took the Flock contract alone, the roll call produced an even split and the motion failed.

Board members who opposed the measure said they had heard substantial public concern and wanted further discussion about data access and safeguards. Supporters said the system has helped law enforcement and school safety officials respond to incidents on school property.

Because the motion failed with no alternative agreement approved that evening, the district will continue operating under its existing arrangements until staff return with a revised proposal or additional safeguards for board consideration.