804.6R1- Use of District Owned Recording Devices on District Property Regulation

Code No.  804.6R1

USE OF DISTRICT OWNED RECORDING DEVICES ON DISTRICT PROPERTY REGULATION

The board supports the use of recording devices on district property as a means to monitor and maintain

a safe environment for students and employees. District property includes district-owned land, buildings, vehicles, buses and any other property as needed. The contents of the recordings may be used as evidence in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding.

Student Records

The content of the recordings may be a student record subject to federal and state law, board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Generally, surveillance video that does not capture any specific incident is not a student record or personnel record and may be disclosed as a public record upon request. Only those persons with a legal basis or legitimate educational purpose may view the recordings. In most instances, individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the superintendent, building principal, classroom teacher, transportation director, bus driver, HR director and special education staffing team. A parent may inspect, review or be informed of the content of the recording without consent from any student or parent of a minor student also shown in the recording, whether the student is a bystander to an incident or directly involved. The district may, but is not obligated by law to provide a copy of a recording to a parent or student upon request. 

A recording during a school-sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the recording becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it will be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

Notice

The school district will annually provide the following notice to students, employees, and parents:

The Edgewood-Colesburg Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of recording devices on school district owned property. The recording devices will be used to enhance safety and security within the educational environment. Students, employees, and parents are hereby notified that the content of the recording may be used in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding. The content of the recordings may be considered confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Recordings will only be retained if necessary for use in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration. Parents may request to view the recording of their child.

The following notice will also be placed on all school buses equipped with recording devices:

This building/bus is equipped with a recording /audio monitoring system.

Review of Recording Devices

The school district will review the recordings

If not public records, the viewing of the recordings is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose. A written log, as appropriate, may be kept of those individuals viewing the recordings stating the time, name of individual viewing and the date the recordings was viewed.

Student Conduct

Students are prohibited from tampering with the recording devices on the school property. Students found in violation of this regulation will be disciplined in accordance with the school district discipline policy and Good Conduct Rule and will reimburse the school district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

Employee Conduct

District-generated recordings may be used as evidence in employee disciplinary matters, as appropriate. Employees are prohibited from tampering with recording devices on school property. Employees found to be in violation of this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the employee handbook and relevant board policies.

See IASB Policy Primer, August 8, 2011

LEGAL REFERENCE                 Iowa Code  § 279.8                                    

CROSS REFERENCES

  506.1        Education Records Access

506.1R1   Education Records Access - Regulation

506.1E1    Education Records Access - Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records

506.1E2    Education Records Access - Authorization for Release of Education Records

506.1E3    Education Records Access - Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records

506.1E4    Education Records Access - Request for Examination of Education Records

506.1E5    Education Records Access - Notification of Transfer of Education Records

506.1E6    Education Records Access - Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena

506.1E7    Education Records Access - Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement

506.1E8    Education Records Access - Annual Notice

711.2        Student Conduct On School Transportation

711.2R1   Student Conduct On School Transportation - Regulation

Adopted: 12/19/2022

Reviewed: 05/15/2023

Revised:  12/19/2022