West Aurora High school board OKs security cameras on campus

West Aurora High School students soon will have an opportunity to smile for the cameras every day.

The school board Monday night approved a large security system, including $232,000 for about 80 cameras and electric locks for the high school. John Spooner of Alarm Detection Systems said work will begin in under 10 days and the system will be completely operational in January.

Most of the cameras will be in the hallways of the high school, Spooner said. They will not be in classrooms or bathrooms. The system will also be set up to add 22 more cameras if the district desires.

The electronic locks will require staff to present an identification card for access to the building. The individualized card will also be able to log when access was granted. The goal of the new system will be to make the school safe and secure.

"The community reinforced their desire (for more safety) time and again. It's pretty fundamental for a student to come and learn that they should feel safe," Superintendent James Rydland said.

Board member Laurie Hoffman said, "I feel privileged to be a part of a board that would do this."

Student board member Daniel Flaherty said although he liked the idea of cameras, several students thought it was just giving Big Brother eyes. Students had concerns that someone would spend their day watching students in a little room, he said.

Spooner answered that there would not be a central monitor room; however, administrators could watch students. He said that in the end students will realize that the cameras keep an eye on lockers that could contain cell phones, wallets or other electronic devices which otherwise could be stolen without reproach. The system could also help deter aggression between students.

"The goal has always been to make sure students and staff are safe at all times," Spooner said.

Alarm Detection Systems currently runs the schools security, and has installed a similar camera system at Waubonsee Community College. The yearly monitoring fee for the new system at West High will be $1,956.