Keeping students safe is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of school leadership. Families expect secure learning environments; educators need visibility and faster response times; and school boards face growing pressure to demonstrate meaningful action. As a result, K–12 districts are accelerating investments in AI-enabled, IP-based video surveillance.
But many are discovering a hard truth: the greatest cost, risk, and disruption isn’t the cameras — it’s the network infrastructure required to support them.
Why IP Surveillance Has Become the Standard
IP-based cameras have largely replaced analog systems because they enable real-time alerts, faster investigations, and seamless integration with access control and emergency systems. National data shows that most public schools already use security cameras, and adoption continues to grow as safety remains a top priority.
From a technology perspective, the path forward is clear: IP-based, software-driven security is the future. From a budgeting standpoint, however, the challenge is far more complex.
The Hidden Cost of “Rip and Replace”
Traditional network design assumes every new IP camera requires new Ethernet cabling, additional IDF closets, more PoE switches, and added power and cooling infrastructure. In older school buildings, this often means ceiling and hallway construction, electrical upgrades, and long deployment timelines.
Industry benchmarks show that infrastructure costs alone typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 per camera, before the camera itself is purchased. According to data from the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), districts often underestimate these expenses by focusing on device pricing rather than Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes cabling, switching, facilities, and long-term maintenance.
At scale, the financial impact grows quickly:
- A district deploying 500 cameras may spend $1.25 million on infrastructure alone
- Large districts deploying thousands of cameras can incur tens of millions of dollars in network costs
In many cases, network costs exceed the cost of the security equipment itself, a reality that often surprises decision-makers once projects reach the construction phase.
Why This Is a Leadership Issue
District leaders already face competing priorities: staffing shortages, aging facilities, academic outcomes, and student well-being. Every dollar spent on network construction is a dollar not invested in teachers, learning tools, or student support services.
Organizations like CoSN consistently emphasize the importance of evaluating technology through a Total Cost of Ownership and Value of Investment (VOI) lens. Doing so helps districts avoid unintended financial consequences and make more sustainable long-term decisions.
Rethinking the Network: Modern LAN Principles
To address these challenges, many districts are rethinking how networks are designed. Modern LAN approaches focus on:
- Leveraging existing infrastructure where possible
- Reducing network layers and IDF closets
- Eliminating unnecessary switching, power, and cooling
- Lowering cost, risk, and operational complexity
What This Looks Like in Practice
Advances in Power over Ethernet (PoE) now enable IP cameras and other security devices to operate over existing coaxial or legacy cabling already present in many schools. Districts report:
- Faster deployments with minimal construction
- Dramatically lower infrastructure costs
- Reduced strain on IT and facilities teams
- More funding available for instructional priorities
These outcomes align directly with CoSN’s TCO and VOI frameworks, helping districts maximize value while improving safety.
Comparing Two Paths to IP Security
| Category | Traditional Network Rip-and-Replace | Modern LAN / PoE Network Innovations |
| Cabling | New Cat5+ runs to every camera | Reuse existing coax or legacy cabling |
| IDF Closets | New or expanded closets required | No new closets required |
| PoE Switching | New switches in multiple locations | Centralized or reduced switching |
| Construction Disruption | High (ceilings, walls, classrooms) | Minimal to none |
| Deployment Timeline | Months to years | Weeks to months |
| Network Infrastructure Cost per Camera | $1,500–$4,000 | $300–$400 |
| Operational Complexity | High | Lower |
| Budget Impact | Infrastructure often exceeds camera cost | Funds preserved for instruction |
| Alignment with CoSN TCO Principles | Often underestimated | Explicitly optimized |
A Call for Informed Leadership
School safety is non-negotiable, but how schools achieve it matters. This is an opportunity for education leaders to challenge outdated assumptions, make informed decisions, and redirect millions of dollars from unnecessary infrastructure into classrooms and student success.
That’s not just a technology decision; it’s a leadership decision.
