Cameras in the Classroom

 

 

Why would videos be taken in my child’s special education classroom?  State law mandates that parents have the right to request video surveillance in special education self-contained classrooms where their child receives at least 50% of their daily instruction for the purpose of promoting student safety. 

 How do I request video cameras in the classroom for a student in Tomball ISD?  To request activation of video cameras in a special education self-contained classroom where the majority of the students receive at least 50% of their daily instruction, a parent may email the request to the campus principal and or to Tomball ISD Student Support Services at sharonmeanor@tomballisd.net. In the request, please state the child’s full name, school location, and specific special education program/classroom.

How will I know if the district is going to grant the request for video surveillance? The district will respond to the request no later than the seventh business day after the date of the request.  

If my child’s admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee determines they will be assigned to a self-contained classroom next school year, can I make a request for the classroom surveillance in advance? State law permits requests for video surveillance in an eligible classroom for the following school year to be made on whichever one of the following occurs later: the last day of school of the current year; the tenth school business day after the date of placement determination by the ARD committee.

How long does it take for video camera activation?  In most cases, if video cameras are already installed in the classroom, activation will take no more than ten school days after the start of the fall semester.  If the request requires installation once the school year has started, activation could take up to 45 business days from the day the request is made.  State law permits districts to request extensions under certain circumstances.  

 Do the video cameras remain activated from year to year?  No. Cameras are deactivated at the end of each school year and there must be a request within the new school year to reactivate the video cameras.

 Will there be a formal notification if video cameras are installed in my child’s classroom?  Yes. All parents of children in a classroom as well as all staff who work in the classroom will receive a formal written notification when a request for video camera activation is made and cameras will be activated.  Likewise all parents and staff in the classroom will also receive a notification when the request for video surveillance is withdrawn during the school year or when surveillance is deactivated at the end of the school year.  Signs are posted at the entrance of the classrooms where video surveillance is occurring.  

 How do I request to view a video once it is installed in my child’s classroom?  In order to view video footage from a video recording device installed in a Special Education setting, request an Incident Form from the Office of the Director of Special Services: sharonmeanor@tomballisd.net. The Texas Education Agency rules define an incident as an event or circumstance that:  1) Involves abuse or neglect and 2) Occurred in a Special Education setting in which video recording devices are installed.

What areas of the classroom are under surveillance and when is surveillance occurring? In classrooms where surveillance is occurring, all areas of the classroom will be under audio and video surveillance during the instructional day when one or more students are present.  Other than incidental coverage due to the layout of the classroom, the interior of restrooms and changing areas will not be under video surveillance but audio surveillance of these areas is required by law.       

How long are surveillance recordings kept?  Classroom surveillance recordings will be retained no less than three months from the date they are recorded and may be retained for longer periods as needed for open investigations.

Are video surveillance recordings in my child’s classroom confidential?  Surveillance conducted in a special education self-contained classroom is confidential and viewing is limited to the following: 

• A district employee or parent of a student involved in an alleged incident documented in a recording and reported to the district. 

• Department of Family and Protective Services personnel as part of an investigation of alleged neglect or abuse of a child.

• A peace officer, school nurse, district administrator, trained in de-escalation and restraint techniques, or human resource/district administrator in response to a report of an alleged incident of abuse committed by an employee or student.  

• Texas Education Agency or State Board of Educator Certification personnel or their agents as part of an investigation.

Who reports allegations of abuse or neglect that may have occurred in a self-contained classroom? A parent, staff member, or school/district administrator should file a written report with the principal as soon as possible.  The written report should be filed within 48 hours of the incident.  The principal shall promptly notify the authorized individuals in the Student Support Services Department of the alleged incident.  The principal or district designee will notify the person who made the report as to whether or not the alleged incident was captured on surveillance no later than ten business days.  

What if I do not agree with the findings of an investigation of abuse or neglect? Complaints related to surveillance recordings may filed as a grievance with the school district in accordance with Policies DGBA, FNG, or GF. A complainant who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the district’s complaint process may appeal in writing to the commissioner of education in accordance with Education Code 103.1303.  A parent, staff member, or District administrator may request an expedited review in accordance with 19 Administrative Code 103.1303          

In addition, if a video recording is viewed during the STAAR ALT 2 preview and/or testing window, the viewer(s) must sign the ‘Security Oath: General’ in accordance with testing security.

 

For additional questions about cameras in Special Education classrooms please contact:

Keri Williams.

Director of Special Services

281-357-3140