Verkada's cloud-based security cameras are coming soon to area schools. (Submitted)
LEDGER — New security cameras are coming soon to area schools after the Mitchell County Board of Education during its regular meeting Thursday, April 22 unanimously approved the purchase of 60 cloud-based cameras from Silicon Valley security startup Verkada.
The school system’s purchase of 60 cameras will cost $67,000 and includes a 10-year licensing agreement that covers cloud storage, maintenance costs and repairs.
Kim Hodshon, MCS Executive Director of Facilities, spoke to the board about the cameras during the regular meeting.
Verkada recently provided the school system with some trial cameras. Hodshon and school resource officer Justin Biddix put the sample cameras through the paces for several weeks and loved how they worked.
The school system currently has cameras in place, but all of them must be backed up and there is a lot of equipment involved. Each of the existing cameras has a one-year warranty, meaning the school system is also on the hook for any updates or repairs after that time.
With Verkada’s cloud-based cameras, footage can be accessed anywhere from a mobile device like a smartphone.
In the event of an emergency, a link can be sent to local law enforcement to give them live footage of the school.
“This is a wonderful product,” Hodshon said. “It’s something we’re very excited about.”
In the past, Biddix or other safety staff would have to work through hours of footage to reach an event in question. The new cameras will make the process quicker and easier.
The Verkada cameras also come equipped with facial recognition.
“You can think of the benefits of that at the entrances of our schools,” Hodshon said. “We’re really pumped about what these cameras can do.”
The cameras are capable of distinguishing people based on their clothing or gender.
The 60 cameras will be spread out among area schools and also allow for the upload of photos of individuals, such as those on the sex offender registry. When such individuals are caught on camera, they will be flagged and relevant parties will be notified.
There is no additional equipment necessary for the cameras to work. The school system will simply have to have them installed.
Verkada offered two deals— 30 cameras with five years of licensing for $38,700 and the approved deal that gives the school system 60 cameras and 10 years of licensing for $67,000.
Superintendent Chad Calhoun said Biddix recently tested the cameras by allowing the cameras to recognize him and then returning with a disguise but the cameras still picked him up.
The board marveled at the low cost and rich features list of the cameras and unanimously approved the purchase.
“I see there being tremendous advantages,” said Board Chair Brandon Pitman. “When you look at those scenarios where you’ve had active shooters and situations, the first question is: where is that shooter located?”