Leander ISD to place cameras in special education classrooms

“We see this as being a positive for our students and our families and our staff, but we also know that it’s not as simple as going around and putting a camera [in a classroom],” she said. “There’s a lot that goes into that, so we have to work through everything.”

Sopher said paying for the cameras and equipment has been left to individual districts, and the law also requires districts to store the recordings for at least six months. Culbertson said districts are able to accept donations to help with camera expenses and said districts would be able to file for reimbursement with the TEA for some equipment.

Aside from finding funds for the cameras, Sopher said LISD has also had trouble locating memory space that can store the footage.

“We’ve had to do quite a bit of legwork, seeing how we can even support that particular part of the requirements,” she said.

Bailey said only a handful of people have requested cameras in district classrooms so far. In preparation, staff purchased eight cameras, three microphones and additional equipment for function and storage to fulfill the requests of those parents, Bailey said.

In the past, Sopher said the district has not had an investigation in one of these classrooms that was impeded by a lack of audio recording or video.

“We have processes and systems in place that have historically allowed us to have successful investigations,” she said. “The camera element is an added layer, but it’s not something that has hindered us in the past.”

Debi McNiff, who serves as parent liaison for special education in LISD, has a son with disabilities who was enrolled in special education in the district. McNiff said having camera footage of the classrooms was not something she was concerned with when her son was in school, though she said she understands if another parent wants cameras in the classroom.

“As long as everyone is protected, that these videos cannot be used outside of what the main purpose is for, then I can understand,” McNiff said. “I think if it’s used appropriately, it will be good.”

The state law puts parameters on who can view the footage, such as a district staff member or officer with Texas Child Protective Services, Culbertson said. The school districts will also have to adopt policies and procedures to implement the law, she said.

“They’re going to have to have a local policy as to how they handle the requests [for equipment],” Culbertson said. “So basically once they get that request, that policy will also dictate how quickly they put the cameras in place.”

Culbertson said the TEA released official program and finance rules Aug. 15, which districts across the state needed in order to create local policies.

Sopher said the cameras may not be turned on in classrooms by the first day of school, but she said the district will ensure it is meeting the requirements of the law.

“We want to make sure we’re in compliance and that we’re meeting the needs of our students, families and our teachers,” she said.