Board asks staff to investigate continued student camera/device use, cites new law
Summary
A Mobile County Public Schools board member asked the superintendent to investigate why students continue using cameras and devices to record incidents despite a policy-now-law banning such use; members also said student-shot videos have been useful for incident review and requested a cost analysis on school camera systems.
Commissioner Stringfellow asked district staff to investigate several recent incidents in which students used cameras or other devices to record fights and other events, saying the board needs to determine whether the problem is systemwide or isolated and whether enforcement gaps remain under a new law restricting device use.
"Mister superintendent, I would like to ask you to have whoever in the staff... find out where those problems [are], because we've got a law now," Stringfellow said, calling for a review of student-hearing procedures and compliance across schools.
Board member Mr. Parson said footage recorded by students has helped the district understand incidents from students' perspectives and urged a cost analysis for potential camera systems. "In some of these videos we've been seeing from the students inside the classrooms...I think they're very informative," Parson said, adding that officials should evaluate whether cameras would be a worthwhile safety investment.
The request follows board members' notes of inconsistent device use across campuses and came during discussion of school safety and facilities operations. Officials referenced examples from nearby systems that use cameras and said they would explore costs and options before pursuing installation.
No formal action to change policy or purchase equipment was taken at the work session; the board asked the superintendent to report back with findings on whether device use is isolated or widespread and with any recommended next steps.
The district's next routine meetings and actions on policy or procurement will determine whether the board pursues a formal change to school monitoring or discipline procedures.
