Brookhaven Elementary School and Mamie Martin Elementary Schoolare leading the state in at least one aspect of technologicaladvances while also showing parents and the community that safetyis a top priority.

Surveillance cameras have been placed throughout both schoolsallowing principals and other school officials to keep a closerwatch on all the activities — even away from campus.

“We just started seeing a need for cameras, and we found thebest system out there, one that allows us to access the camerasoff-site,” said Martin Principal Danita Hobbs.

The cameras are connected to each principal’s office computer,but can also be accessed through a secure website by theprincipals, Superintendent Dr. Sam Bounds and other selectedofficials.

Scott Campbell, the district’s technology specialist, said theprincipals can even look in on different areas of the schoolsthrough handheld personal computers, which will possibly bepurchased at a later time.

“The long range goal is that every school will be covered withcameras, and the police department will be able to access thecameras if necessary,” added Campbell.

Every school in the district has security cameras, but only theones at BES and Martin can be accessed off campus.

District officials pointed out that the cameras are only thereas a preventive measure to ensure the utmost of accountability andsafety in the schools.

“This is just another way to show our parents we’re doing ourbest to provide a safe environment for our kids,” said Bounds.

Other district officials complimented Bounds for his push tohave cameras in all the schools.

“He wants the district to be on the leading edge of technology,”said Campbell. “This is the newest technology. It only records whenthere’s movement.”

Campbell said only two other schools in the state have similarsystems.

Cameras have been placed in domes hanging from the ceilings ofhallways and offices in the schools, and some are also mounted onthe walls.

“They’re pretty small cameras, and they’re not that noticeable,”said Campbell.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at BES provided the 20cameras there, while the activities fund at Martin funded theinstallation and costs of that school’s 30 cameras. More will beadded later to more accurately cover the campus.

The cameras complement the new interactive intercom systems thatallow teachers to contact the front office rather than just beingallowed to answer a call. The systems were recently placedthroughout the district.

School officials say the boost in technology helps them bettermonitor visitors on campus, parent pick-up areas and any otherareas the principals or faculty members are not in during aspecific time.

“With large buildings, we’re able to better watch the halls forany unusual activity,” said Hobbs. “You always want to be on top ofthings. A principal needs to be aware of what’s going on all overthe campus.”

The recorded material from the cameras stays on memory for abouta week but can be backed up on compact discs if necessary.

Brookhaven High School was dotted with surveillance camerasduring its renovation last year, while Lipsey Middle School has hada security system in place for two years. Alexander Junior HighSchool is the next scheduled for an upgrade.