Cameras going in on pair of school busses; more planned

    Two of the route busses serving Chase County Schools will be equipped with cameras, after action by the board of education last week.
    A 9-0 vote at the Dec. 10 meeting approved $7,960 for the purchase and $1,550 for installation of the HD5 surveillance systems to be placed in the two busses.
    The equipment is being purchased from REI in Omaha.
    Activities Director Troy Hauxwell addressed the board on the topic, citing security, safety and liability issues.
    He said this week school officials have been discussing bus cameras the past three years.
    “This is both for the drivers and the kids. It provides accountability on both sides,” he said.
    Discipline on some busses has been an issue at times, especially when the bus is crowded, he said.
    Earlier this school year, a para rode on some routes to monitor behavior that had become an issue.
    “When there are a lot of kids, 20-30 riding, those are the ones that are tougher to monitor,” he said.
    “This helps us stay ahead of the game.”

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