Parkland School District Assistant Director of Transportation and Safety Tony Naradko reports the first year of cameras on school buses has already improved efficiency and increased safety for students.

The cameras provide video and audio records of activity on the buses and roadways.

Naradko told the school board a major benefit is improved discipline on the buses.

“We have increased accountability of students due to video evidence of bullying or harassment,” Naradko said.

He also said the cameras have been helpful in red light violations when motorists fail to stop for the bus when the red light is on.

The video provides a picture of the car, driver and license plate.

“This year we had 114 referrals to law enforcement and an increase in the prosecution rate,” Naradko said. “The referral process includes sending bus camera video and the red light violation to the proper law enforcement unit within 48 hours of the incident.

“Last year we had four or five prosecutions, this year 16-20. For years people would say it was someone else driving the car. Now the driver is on the video.”

He showed pictures of a school bus interior taken after dark with a night vision camera. The bus appeared to be shown in daylight.

Naradko said the night cameras are helpful when students are riding the bus and also when the buses are parked, in case of vandalism.

He described the status board which indicates exactly where the buses are, similar to display information at airports.

Staff can see whether a bus is running late or on time and can find out if a bus has been held up in traffic anywhere.

The technology indicates the speed a bus is traveling.

Naradko recalls receiving calls about buses going too fast, but the system proves drivers are remaining within the speed limit.

The cameras also supply a video history.

“We can go to a date on the calendar and see what a bus was doing and what speed it was going,” Naradko said.

He noted the system is totally mobile through an iPad.

“The camera quality is fantastic,” Naradko said. They are used in minor accidents and discipline issues.”

He said bus routes are shown on Google maps which are useful for maximizing efficiency in planning or changing student pick up sites.

Board member Lisa Roth said the bus camera videos are helpful to principals in reporting incidents to parents.

Although they may deny their child’s involvement, the video is right there to prove it, Roth said.

Superintendent Rich Sniscak commended Naradko for implementing the bus cameras and for using them so effectively.