Michigan District to Spend $600k on Advanced Security Camera System
Niles Community Schools plans to use almost $450,000 in school safety grants and about $150,000 in matched funding to install an advanced security camera system in the district.
- By Jessica Davis
- May 30, 2019
Niles Community Schools plans to install an advanced security camera system districtwide.
The system will be paid for with a $442,773 grant awarded to the district by the Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grant Program and about $150,000 from the district itself. The funds provided by the district are a 25 percent match of the grant funds, which Nice Community Schools agreed to provide as part of the grant application process.
The district’s new security monitoring system will give fire, police and other emergency responders the ability to share resources and reduce delays when responding to a crisis.
“It also gives law enforcement, police and fire, an upper hand so they can access the system if something’s going on," Director of Student Support Services Tracy Hertsel said. "They know exactly what’s happening with up-to-date times."
The cameras, which will be placed throughout the district, will allow for 24/7 monitoring and coverage of hallways, exits and building exteriors. Niles Community Schools plans to hire staff dedicated to monitoring the system and local authorities will only be able to access the system when necessary.
Cabling for the camera system will be installed this summer, with work taking place during breaks in the school year. The system should be installed by June 1, 2020, at the latest.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.