Dist. 220 putting cameras on its school buses

Barrington Area Unit District 220 will keep a closer eye on its students this year on their rides to and from school.

Officials are hoping by installing video cameras on each of its buses, students will be less likely to act out.

"It is not in reaction to any (specific) issues as much as it is us being proactive," said Jeff Arnett, the district's chief communications officer.

The cameras are being installed in the fronts and backs of 78 buses and will record both video and audio. While some cameras will be rolling the first day of school next week, all of them are expected to be up and running by the end of September.

Acknowledging that horseplay and misbehavior is somewhat inherent on school buses, Arnett said the cameras will help officials handle the aftermath better.

The cameras, Arnett said, will help determine if there was really a problem and, and if was serious, who may have been at fault.

"It also resolves any questions that parents may have," Arnett said.

Superintendent Tom Leonard said he expects student behavior to change a bit once kids know they are being recorded.

"Some people behave a little bit differently when they know their actions can be viewed again later," Leonard said.

In Barrington, 7,500 kids are expected to ride the bus, out of 9,200 enrolled. With the district encompassing 12 villages and 72 square miles, some students are on the bus for anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes each day.

The length of time a student spends riding the bus may be a contributing factor in some instances of misbehavior, Arnett acknowledged.

"Because of the geographic size of our school district and the necessary length of some bus routes, the cameras play an even greater role in our efforts to maintain a safe climate for students," he said.

Officials began looking into adding cameras several years ago after a districtwide survey was conducted.

"Kids' behavior on buses was a concern for parents," Leonard said.

Newsletters, e-mails and other letters have all been sent home, letting parents and their kids know that the cameras will be used this year. A sign will also be posted on each bus reminding riders they are being recorded.

The district is spending $100,000 on the cameras and their installation.