Cameras go into classrooms in Hope, Arkansas

HOPE, Ark. -- Public schools in Hope now have surveillance cameras in most classrooms.

Superintendent Kenneth Muldrew said Wednesday that the intent is to enhance the safety of teachers and students.

Muldrew told the Texarkana Gazette that $540,000 in federal stimulus money was used to pay for the equipment. Video from the cameras will be monitored by staff at the district's five campuses. But Muldrew says the district doesn't have the manpower to have someone watching at all times.

The cameras were not installed in special education classrooms and other classrooms. Officials said having cameras in those classrooms would be too invasive.