Crews install new security cameras at Kanawha County Schools

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - When parent Thomas Baker found out his kids’ schools are getting a security upgrade, he was excited.

“Seeing them add these systems to help protect my kids helps me sleep a little better at night and enjoy my day a little better,” Baker said.

After being approved by the Kanawha County School Board back in May, KCS has started installing Verkada security cameras throughout its high, middle and elementary schools.

“It makes me, as a parent makes me feel better dropping my child at school,” Kanawha County Schools’ Executive Director of Technology Leah Sparks said.

The new system gives schools quick access to the videos by using a cloud service, providing live and mobile access to first responders and 911 centers and sends alerts to emergency personnel.

“The cameras are going to give us the stability to see what is going on in that school at that location at that very time - even remotely,” Bryan Carper, the District’s Director of Security, said.

“It’s going to keep kids safer, and I think response times are going to be incredible, and I hope it deters some things too,” Sparks said.

Emergency personnel said cameras will be used in outdoor spaces, common areas, exits, entry and stairwells.

Carper said this will help improve response times when incidents happen.

“As the incident was occurring, we had law enforcement respond to the scene in six minutes of the person entering the building,” Carper said. “Whereas it may take us hours to the location or days.”

Baker said he hopes this will help schools be proactive because you can’t put a price on a child’s safety.

Officials said they hope to finish middle and high schools before the school year starts. Then, get to elementary schools. They hope to complete the project midway through the school year.