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Board approves security camera and vape‑detector purchases; E‑Rate covers majority of internet upgrade
Summary
Trustees approved purchase of additional surveillance cameras, vape detectors and accepted a Category‑2 E‑Rate award. Administration said E‑Rate will fund 70% of a $73,315 project; remaining local share to be paid from district funds/reserves.
Forsyth Public Schools trustees approved a package of security and networking upgrades Monday, greenlighting additional cameras, vape detectors and accepting a federal E‑Rate Category‑2 award to fund part of a separate network upgrade.
Administrator (Speaker 2) told trustees the district applied for Category‑2 E‑Rate assistance to update switches, cabling and a firewall. The total project cost is $73,315; E‑Rate typically covers 70% of Category‑2 costs, which would reduce the district’s obligation to about $21,994.50. The board voted to accept the award and proceed, with administration noting installation of a new firewall is scheduled for July.
On school security, Facilities/operations staff (Speaker 6) described blind spots uncovered after earlier camera adjustments and recommended adding fisheye and dome cameras in the junior high and high‑school weight‑room corners. Staff also recommended restoring vape detectors in junior‑high restrooms and tying detector alerts to camera footage to speed investigations. Trustees asked about unit costs and quantity; staff referenced ballpark figures (roughly $3,500 per fisheye camera and three cameras discussed) and said funding will come from building reserves. The board approved the purchase by voice vote.
Trustees probed privacy and system features; staff noted the vendor offers tracking and face‑tracking options but said the system does not automatically match names unless configured. Administration said video‑retention and archival procedures will be followed and that cameras are intended to eliminate blind spots and improve student safety.
The board’s approval allows procurement and scheduling to move forward; administration will coordinate purchases, installation plans and funding transfers.
