Rantz addresses school security
There have been some limitations to the camera surveillance in the student parking lot, according to Principal Mr. Andrew Rantz.
Mr. Rantz said at the high school, there are a total of 51 security cameras for both internal and external coverage. He added that the costs of security cameras have varied depending on when they were installed.
The most recent camera was added to the school in the fall, said Mr. Rantz, adding it is a “Bird’s Eye” camera that can display a 360-degree view in an undisclosed location.
Mr. Rantz said cameras are added through a “budgetary process,” which includes input from Assistant Principal Mr. Michael Bergey, School Resource Officer Dennis Derr, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan, Director of Special Education and School Safety Coordinator Ms. Catherine Girton and the Milton Police Department.
Mr. Rantz said as far as the student parking lot, the coverage has remained the same since he became principal. He declined to describe exactly what areas are included.
Senior Aubrey Chappell said her car was parked in the student parking lot when it was dented on the driver’s side in early February. When she attempted to discover who was responsible for the damage, Aubrey said Mr. Rantz was unable to provide her footage of the area where the accident occurred. She added that she has not yet repaired the car, so the cost of the damage is unknown but clearly visible.
When it comes to the budget for security cameras in the school, the interior is a priority, said Mr. Rantz. The goal is to minimize any blind spots in the hallways or stairwells, he added, explaining that the exits of the school also demand strong coverage to help identify potential intruders. He declined to discuss plans to upgrade coverage.
Mr. Rantz said car accidents on school property are “not technically our responsibility… If there is a situation, I’ll help out as much as possible.” He added that while the student parking permits do not indicate that the school is not held responsible, “Board Policy 223: Use of Bicycle and Motor Vehicles” does. His advice to students who have their car damaged is to notify a school administrator immediately so they can either investigate or function as a liaison to the School Resource Officer or the Milton Police Department.
So far, two known car accidents happened on school property, according to Mr. Rantz, both of which were in the student parking lot. Mr. Rantz said the person responsible for the accident before Aubrey’s was identified almost immediately. He added that incidents such as car accidents, as well as any other unwanted activities in the student parking lot, are discovered through eye-witness accounts.
According to Ms. Girton, the next “significant upgrades” to the school’s security cameras will take place along with the upcoming renovation project. Mr. Rantz added that there is no set time on how soon the cameras could be added.
