School Board Policy 711 -
Video Recording on School Buses

I. Purpose

The transportation of students to and from school is an important function of the school district, and transportation by the school district is a privilege and not a right for an eligible student. The behavior of students and employees on the bus is a significant factor in the safety and efficiency of school bus transportation. Student and employee misbehavior increases the potential risks of injury. Therefore, the school district believes that video recording passengers and employees on the school bus will encourage good behavior and, as a result, promote safety. The purpose of this policy is to allow the establishment of a school bus video recording system.

II. General Statement of Policy 

A. Placement

1. Each and every school bus owned, leased, contracted and/or operated by the school district may be equipped with a fully enclosed box for placement and operation of a video camera and conspicuously placed signs notifying riders that their conversations or actions may be recorded on tape.

2. A video camera will not necessarily be installed in each and every school bus owned, leased, contracted and/or operated by the school district, but video cameras may be rotated from bus to bus without prior notice to drivers or students.

3. Video cameras may be placed on a particular school bus, to the extent possible, where the school district has received complaints of inappropriate behavior.

B. Use of Video Recording

1. A video recording of the actions of student passengers and/or employees may be used by the school district as evidence in any disciplinary action brought against any student or employee arising out of the student’s or employee’s conduct on the bus.

2. A video recording will be released only in conformance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g and the rules and/or regulations promulgated thereunder.

3. A video recording will be viewed by school district personnel on a random basis and/or when discipline problems on the bus have been brought to the attention of the school district.

4. A video recording will be retained by the school district until relooped or until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings in which the video recording is used for evidence.

C. Private Transportation Providers

Private transportation providers that offer transportation services to the District must comply with the provisions of the Policy. With the exception of any existing transportation contracts, all transportation contracts between the school district and private transportation providers shall include a requirement that school bus video recordings must be promptly made available to the school district upon request and must be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Minnesota Government Data Practice Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Legal Reference: 
Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)
Minn. Stat. §121A.585 (Notice of Recording Device)
Minn. Stat. § 138.17 (Government Records, Administration)
Minn. Rules Pts. 1205.0100-1205.2000 (Data Practices).
20 U.S.C. 1232g (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
34 C.F.R. §§ 99.1-99.67 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy)

Cross Reference: 
WBLASB Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of School District Employees)
WBLASB Policy 406 (Public and Private Personnel Data)
WBLASB Policy 502 (Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student’s Person)
WBLASB Policy 506 (Student Discipline)
WBLASB Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Student Records)
WBLASB Policy 709 (Student Transportation Safety Policy)
WBLASB Policy 712 (Video Surveillance Other Than on Buses)
MSBA Service Manual, Chapter 2, Transportation