Wake schools weigh high-tech plan to slow speeders in school zones
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County school leaders learned more about steps that need to be taken before a high-tech approach at student safety could be rolled out.
The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is considering a program that would install cameras in school zones and on bus stop arms.
During a meeting on Tuesday, school leaders learned about the initial steps needed before the cameras could start recording. The move comes after state leaders passed a law last year allowing for automated speed cameras in school zones.
"It's all about keeping students safe," said WCPSS School Board Chair Tyler Swanson.
Stacey Coffman lives in Wake Forest and has children in WCPSS. She says she has some questions about what this program would look like.
"The big question is, who's funding it? Who should be funding it? And then what data supports this being such a high priority?" she said.
The program in Wake is meant to be cost-neutral, meaning the money generated by the violations would fund the program, and any extra money would go to the district.
According to information presented during Monday afternoon's meeting, there are a few main preconditions to starting the program.
The county government needs to have an ordinance in place authorizing the enforcement of the cameras. An agreement is needed between the county, school district, and the sheriff's office to detail cost-sharing and reimbursements from the program. Also, a law enforcement officer needs to physically review the camera feeds.
WCPSS Chief of Facilities and Operations Mark Strickland says many more details are needed before bringing it up for a vote.
"We'll bring it back to the school board, maybe try to glean some data from some other districts and other states and share that with them before we make a decision," he said.
School leaders also raised questions about ongoing heating and cooling issues across the district.
"How we're going to be more proactive than reactive now that we're switching our weather?" said School Board District 1 Member Cheryl Caulfield.
District officials say this current wave of warm weather has allowed them to test some systems.
"We're cranking things up," said Strickland. "We've had a few problems this week already. I suspect we'll have a few more. But we'd rather find out about them now, while it's relatively mild."
Parents say they'll just wait to see what happens once the temperatures start to consistently climb.
"As the temperatures heat up, it will be a true test of is the system in proper working order, or is there more work needed than just the boiler that got replaced," said Coffman.
Eyewitness News asked the district for specific data about whether speeding in school zones and not stopping for school buses is a problem in Wake County.
District officials say they hear from bus drivers constantly about drivers not stopping when the stop arm is out.
