Gazette: Montgomery County schools to get more unmonitored security cameras

Montgomery County Public Schools will see new security measures including cameras added at its buildings after the County Council voted Tuesday to allocate both state and county funds toward the efforts that will cost about $9 million.
The vote Tuesday approved $1.67 million in new county funds to add to about $3.1 million already approved within the county’s capital improvements program.
The roughly $9 million in new security spending includes about $4 million from a state school security initiative — money the county had to match to receive, said James Song, director of the school system’s department of facilities management... 

...County Councilman George Leventhal (D-At large) of Takoma Park raised the concern he said he heard from a constituent that the cameras would not be continuously monitored. (then he voted for the funding)... 

...County Councilman Marc Elrich (D-At large) of Takoma Park said he was concerned that the cameras would only be used to look back for evidence of an incident that had occurred, rather than helping direct security to an ongoing situation. (then he voted for the funding)... 

...and, don't miss this statement from MCPS staff, it's all on the kids... 

Song said the system’s next steps regarding security will include developing programs and drill practices to ensure kids are prepared.

 http://www.gazette.net/article/20130716/NEWS/130719225/1124/montgomery-county-schools-to-get-more-security-cameras&template=gazette