It is students versus the Rochester district on Adams’ newest addition…security cameras. The Rochester Committee passed a bond that allowed hundreds of surveillance cameras to be installed district-wide. For some students this may be a normality, for others, it is a violation of privacy. The cameras were put in after an agreement was passed in the Rochester area, these cameras were installed to increase security throughout the district in order to increase security. This was granted through the recent “Rochester Community School Bond”.

The Rochester Community School Bonds are agreements that are discussed by volunteers and members of the community. These ideas are brought to the committee and agreed upon based on the most urgent problems that need to be addressed at that time. These settlements are meant to protect students in a way that is beneficial to them and the staff. While the students are not those paying taxes, they are the ones directly affected by the cameras.  

This contract was passed to support all schools in Rochester. The bond includes construction, maintenance, and advanced technology in the classroom. It was passed based on the voting of the Rochester Hills citizens, but the voters only consisted of people over 18. This is an issue to several students in the Rochester schools. The bond projects are meant to help students but it may be making it worse by causing stress and anxiety.

The Rochester Committee posted an informational page on the Rochester Community Schools website that allows an insight on the agreement itself. On this webpage the committee explains what these bonds are for, why the bonds are happening, and how they will affect the atmosphere of each school. On the website the bond is explained to aid student safety and to assure a safe learning environment.

At Rochester Adams, various students believe the security cameras are unnecessary and do not benefit their educational experience.  While many believe that the agreement aids students, the cameras may not be as beneficial as the district thinks, there are also others who see them as a problem. The cameras themselves control the students by having a watchful eye around the school. They are located in hallways, lunchrooms, exits, and outside bathrooms. Students view them as an unwanted security aid when there are countless ways to provide a safe environment for students. From a student’s point of view, the cameras add more stress and anxiety.

“It’s an unnecessary waste of money for taxpayers; there are cameras all around the school, which doesn’t seem to be helping with any of the problems that are happening,” said sophomore Abby Guest.

While the cameras may perhaps help solve problems around the school, students have a hard time finding the benefits of them. However, countless parents see a need for them in schools. Guardians of students view cameras as beneficial for the security of the school. However, students may point out the cameras to other students which will allow them to be aware that their actions are being watched. Cameras may make parents feel better about their student’s security, but in reality may not be benefitting them at all.

  “I think that when the security cameras were put in they should have asked for the students’ opinion,” said junior Emma Reichenbach.

Several students believe that their voices need to be heard considering they are the ones directly affected. In schools across the district, there needs to be a better way to pass bond agreements in a way that will allow different perspectives. Voters that are allowed to give their opinion do not accurately represent the students of Rochester.

Many believe the security cameras are just another problem in schools. Cameras seem to only cause privacy violations. Numerous students want to see the school’s money contributing to something more beneficial. Nevertheless, the clash between cameras or no cameras is still an existing dispute all over the district.