Mount Vernon High School will install interior surveillance cameras on school grounds, according to the principal of the school.

This decision comes after MVHS administrators surveyed the community, staff, and students and gathered feedback at a community meeting in May. Principal Nardos King confirmed the school will install interior surveillance cameras, but no timeline has been set.

Nine cameras will be installed in "hot spots" for activity, including cafeterias, subschools, and high-traffic entrances.

King said most of the feedback she received supports the use of interior cameras. She hopes the cameras will be installed by the start of the 2012-13 school year, which begins on Sept. 4.

The Fairfax County School Board approved a video surveillance policy in December 2011. Fairfax County Public Schools' policy states each individual school can decide whether to install cameras. Cameras are allowed only in “hot spots” such as cafeterias and lobbies.

The total estimated cost of the cameras and installation is $39,049, including $8,000 for the cameras in the cafeteria that will be paid for by FCPS. The remaining $31,049 will be paid for with accumulated community-use credits.