Mount Vernon High School Seeks Input on Surveillance Cameras
Administration is considering installing interior cameras.
Mount Vernon High School administrators are considering installing interior surveillance cameras and are seeking input from students, faculty, and community members over the next few weeks.
“To be honest, my biggest reason to have cameras is to have an extra measure of safety and security in the building,” explained MVHS Principal Nardos King.
The Fairfax County School Board approved a video surveillance policy in December 2011. According to Fairfax County Public Schools' policy, each individual school can decide whether should be installed. Cameras are allowed only in “hot spots” such as cafeterias and lobbies.
King stresses that “very minor issues” have taken place inside the school, but they have had issues. Cameras would be installed in high-traffic areas within the school. King also added that students who participate in extracurricular activities are often waiting for rides after school when limited staff is available.
“[Cameras] would add another level of security,” King stressed.
King added that Mount Vernon High School had a problem with vandalism on the building's exterior.
"After we installed the exterior cameras, it all but went away," King explained. "Every once in a while we have some vandalism, but the cameras help deter that kind of behavior.”
The total cost of the installation is estimated to cost $39,049, which will include $8,000 for the camera installation in the cafeteria, which FCPS would pay. The remaining amount, $31,049, will be paid for with accumulated community use credits, not appropriated funds.
Early Input Shows Strong Support
King says all of the staff members she has spoken to have voiced their support of the cameras. She has received 30 emails from community members, 28 of which are in support of the cameras.
“I don’t expect to get 100 percent support from students,” King said. “But I think students will listen to my reasoning and understand where I’m coming from on this issue.”
On June 1, King will take a look at the input gathered over the past month. If there is sufficient support, she will request permission from the Superintendent to proceed with the installation.
“If I don’t have support, I’m not going to move forward," King said.
Mount Vernon High School will host a meeting on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the interior surveillance cameras. For more information or to submit input, please email Nardos.King@fcps.edu.
T Ailshire
7:19 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Let's be clear and accurate. Cameras PREVENT nothing. Cameras simply provide another possibility in identifying perpetrators AFTER THE FACT. That fact may (repeat, MAY) have some deterrent effect - until perpetrators figure out how to get around them.
Student Body
8:22 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Maybe instead of spending $40,000 on an obnoxious privacy invasion you should take a look at our embarrassment of a field and invest in some artificial turf. I've lost all hope in this school's ability to make decisions that actually benefit the student body, thank God I'm not coming back next year.
Kari Wright Warren
1:08 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012
Let's also be clear an accurate...cameras DO prevent theft and vandalism. Why do you think banks, stores, etc. have them installed? My child goes to a PUBLIC school and I have no preconception that there is some constitutional right to her privacy there. In fact, I laud the fact that there are measures being taken to protect our children and their belongings. How does anyone in their right mind think this could possibly hurt our children. Implementing this security measure can only enhance their safety. I am 100% FOR IT.
Mount Vernon Students
10:08 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012
Let's be clear and accurate. There isn't any theft or vandalism inside "hotspots" that won't already be caught. It is an invasion of privacy, and a waste of money that could go towards bettering the inadequate education this school is providing. I am entirely against this idea.
Kari Wright Warren
10:16 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012
MVHS provides more than an adequate education. My oldest daughter was more than prepared for college and she was served well. Theft and vandalism occur all over the school (not just the "hot spots" you have created in your mind). As a public school student, there is no privacy being violated. None. Maybe if the administration didn't have to spend so much money on security personnel and manhours trying to investigate thefts and vandalism, you might have more money to get what you perceive as a lack of an "adequate" education.
T Ailshire
10:21 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012
Kari - you must know of different cameras than I do.
The ones I know are inanimate objects. Not a one has ever called authorities in time to prevent an act of vandalism or thuggery. Not a one has reached out an arm and stopped a perpetrator. They do, in other words, provide evidence for prosecution -- NOT prevention.
I'd love to know which line of products you're envisioning.
Kari Wright Warren
10:26 am on Saturday, May 12, 2012
Mr/Mrs Ailshire...prevention is the key. They are a deterrent. No one ever said they would call the authorities, but knowing they are there would surely prevent some of the crimes from occuring in the first place. And, if they don't, the camera is a pretty swift investigative tool to get the perpetrator. Maybe then we don't have to spend so many manhours investigating each act only to come up with nothing. Think about it...it's really not that hard.
Nina
12:26 am on Saturday, May 19, 2012
Kari - Agree with you, especially when remembering past events our family faced within & around Mount Vernon High School Building, parking lots, ball fields, etc. Teachers, students, and admin. folk all deserve and need maximum truth and protections to better allow each one to do their personal best. Nothing going on that can not be proudly displayed to all our eyes, as appropriate.