Source: https://www.killeenisd.org/cameras_in_the_classroom_
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 02:17:40+00:00

Document:
Why does the legislature want cameras in special education classrooms?
SB 507 seeks to protect non-verbal special education students from abuse or neglect that may occur in certain classrooms. Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law on June 19, 2015. It is codified in § 29.022 of the Texas Education Code.
When does SB 507 go into effect?
Although SB 507 was signed into law on June 19, 2015, it did not go into effect until the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year.
What triggers the duty to place, operate, and maintain video cameras?
• A member of the school District's Board of Trustees.
In order to make a request, a Request for the Installation of Video and Audio Recording Equipment form must be completed and turned in to the campus principal. This form can be found in the links on the right.
What type of camera equipment must be installed?
The cameras must be capable of covering all areas of the classroom, except a bathroom or changing area. They must also be capable of recording audio from all areas of the classroom, including the changing area.
What type of classrooms or settings require cameras?
29.022 sets out the criteria for the type of classroom eligible for installation of audio and video recording equipment. Generally, the law requires that the classroom be self-contained with a majority of the students who regularly attend the class being provided special education services more than 50% of the instructional day. In KISD, the classrooms that meet eligibility are Communication, Academic, and Social Development (CASD), Functional Skills, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD), Skills I & II, and Therapeutic Learning Classroom (TLC).
Does the school need consent from all parents in a classroom before it can record students?
No. Texas Education Code § 29.022 requires school districts to record students without parental consent because the purpose of the recording is student safety, even if the parent of another student in the classroom does not want his/her child to be recorded.
Can the classroom teacher object to recording equipment being installed in his/her classroom?
No. The law makes no provision for a teacher or other District employee to object to the installation of a camera in a classroom.
How will parents know if there is recording equipment in their child's classroom?
(2) The parents of all students receiving special education services in the classroom for which the request was made.
All staff in the school, as well as all students in the classroom where recording equipment will be installed, will receive written notice prior to the installation. Additionally, a sign will be posted outside of the classroom informing visitors that recording equipment is in operation.
How long does the school have to keep the video and audio recordings?
Killeen ISD will retain the recordings for three months after the recording date.
Is someone keeping a constant watch on the video once it has been installed in the classroom?
No. Killeen ISD is prohibited from regularly monitoring the recordings. The law is very restrictive on who may view the video and under what circumstances it may be viewed.
Can the recordings be used for teacher evaluations?
No. A school official may not use the recordings for teacher evaluations. However, they may be used in an employee disciplinary proceeding such as a teacher termination hearing or teaching license revocation hearing.
Yes. The general public, parents, and school staff are prohibited from viewing or having access to the recordings. However, there are some limited circumstances under which the recordings may be viewed.
What are the circumstances under which the recordings can be viewed?
• As part of an investigation conducted by the Texas Education Agency or the State Board of Educator Certification.
An "incident" is defined by Texas Administrative Code Chapter 103.1301(b)(9). To be an "incident", an event or circumstance on the recording must involve alleged "abuse" or "neglect" as defined by Texas Family Code §261.001 of a student by an employee OR alleged "physical abuse" or "sexual abuse" as defined by Texas Family Code §261.410 of a student by another student; AND the event or circumstance must have occurred in a self-contained classroom or other special education setting in which video surveillance under §29.022 is conducted.
Who can view the recording?
After an "incident report" has been filed by a parent/guardian, trustee, or staff member who suspects an "incident", as defined by state law (see above), has occurred in the classroom, Killeen Independent School District Officials will view the recording. If it is determined that an incident is documented in the recording, the District will conduct an investigation to determine if any crime has been committed, as well as make any required reports to DFPS. The District will also notify other agencies that a possible crime or violation of District policy may have occurred. Depending on the nature of the alleged incident, the District may make a report to the State Board of Educator Certification or other regulatory agency. Generally, if the District/Police found an incident occurred and after they have completed their investigation, the recording may be made available for viewing to the parent/guardian, appropriate District and campus staff or other regulatory agencies such as DFPS or SBEC. If a recording does not document an "incident", no one, other than the Police can view the recording.
Where can I get an Incident Reporting Form?
Incident Reporting Forms are available on this website, at the campus and online on the Special Education Department website.
Is it possible to get a copy of a recording?
No. However, the recording could be released pursuant to a subpoena.
How does someone request to view the video?
After receiving notification that an "incident" was recorded, a parent, appropriate District staff, or regulatory agency may complete a Request to View Recording form and submit it to the Office of the Deputy Superintendent. Viewings of recordings will take place at the Killeen Independent School District Central Administration Building located at 200 N WS Young Drive, Killeen, TX 76543.
What happens if the child whose parent requested the camera installation moves to another classroom, campus or moves from the District?
Once a camera is installed in a qualifying classroom, it will remain in the classroom until that classroom no longer meets the criteria established under TEC §29.022. Recording equipment, once installed is not tied to a specific student. If a student moves to a new qualifying classroom or a new school that does not have recording equipment installed, the parent will have to submit a new request for the installation of recording equipment.
Will the District install cameras in an ESY classroom?
If the classroom meets the criteria established by state law and the District receives a request to place a camera in an ESY classroom from a parent, staff member or member of the District's Board of Trustees, the District will install recording equipment in an ESY classroom.
Do parents have to request for video/audio equipment annually?
The District's Operating Guidelines for Video Surveillance of Special Education Settings Implementing TEC 29.022, specifies that: a request for installation and operation of video/audio recording of a self-contained classroom or other special education setting should be renewed annually if operation of the video/audio equipment is desired for the subsequent school year.

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