CENTRAL BUSES HAVE CAMERAS

By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

Central Schools recently took a big step to further ensure the safety of its students: The school equipped its buses with security cameras. According to Superintendent Nick Trenkamp, all full-time route buses now have cameras that capture images from inside and outside the bus from multiple angles. 

“When the bus pulls into the school to drop off students, the data from the camera downloads onto our school serve through our wireless network,” Trenkamp explained.

While camera footage from inside the bus could be used to address student misbehavior, that isn’t Trenkamp’s primary concern.

“Central has excellent students and misbehavior on our buses is a minimal concern,” Trenkamp continued. “More importantly, the cameras catch other vehicles not following the law around buses.”

It’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus but some drivers either don’t know that (despite the fact that it’s emblazoned on the back of the bus) or don’t care. At least one driver has taken to social media to report frequent incidents of illegal passing.

“When a vehicle passes a stopped bus, chances are it won’t result in an accident but instead in a death,” said Trenkamp, adding that the new cameras are positioned to capture license numbers of offenders.

In addition to the danger it poses for students, passing a school bus carries substantial fines. According to Elkader Police Officer Gerry Frick, the first is offense is $435; second and subsequent offenses are $1,000.

Along with cameras, all buses were outfitted with chains. The cost of the project was $20,000. Physical plant and equipment levy funds were used to cover the cost.