Officials with a school district in Connecticut approved a plan to spend almost $200,000 on security cameras at their schools July 3.
Council members with Wethersfield Public Schools emphasized that the video surveillance upgrade is part of a multi-pronged approach to upgrading the security systems at the district’s schools.
The cameras will begin to be installed in the district’s five elementary schools and its lone middle school over the summer, according to courant.com. The installation is not expected to be completed before classes begin again in the fall.
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Sonitrol Verified Electronic Security of Rocky Hill was awarded the $196,500 contract following a lengthy bidding process.
After the installation is complete, school officials will be able to monitor the cameras and review footage at certain district locations. The local police department will also have access to the surveillance system.
“This is going to help the school system manage day-to-day security issues,” Town Manager Jeff Bridges says.
The cameras are just the latest security investment for the district. Security upgrades began after the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012. Since that tragedy, the district has upgraded doors and locks, hired a security director and is in the process of renovating its high school.
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