Board approves $816,654.80 Verkada camera purchase to update school security

The Douglas County School District Board voted unanimously May 19 to approve a purchase agreement with Verkada for $816,654.80 to upgrade campus security cameras and related infrastructure.

Director of IT Jared Rex reminded trustees that the district’s technology infrastructure "hasn’t been updated in 11 to 12 years and Verkada offers the cloud‑based solution, which is modular." He said the system addresses security deficits across multiple sites, estimated at $26–$27 per student per year, and that the first payment will be due in July with no impact to the current fiscal year. Rex told trustees installations would begin within two weeks of Board approval and that current cameras at CCMES would be redeployed elsewhere in the district.

Trustees questioned funding sources and implementation logistics. Rex reiterated the IT department will fund the purchase from its budget and that staff reductions in IT (from 10 to 4.5 positions) have required prioritization. Parent Adrienne Sawyer spoke in support, cautioning that students and staff should not be targeted for surveillance. Trustee Dave Brady moved to approve the agreement; Trustee Susan Jansen seconded. The motion passed 7–0.

Next steps: IT staff will begin vendor engagement and scheduling with schools, finalize an MOU with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for access policies, and stage installations to ensure cameras are replaced before the start of the school year or through after‑hours shifts if necessary.