Lyon County School District is set to enhance student safety with a significant upgrade to its school bus transportation system. During the recent LCSD Board Meeting on April 22, 2025, officials proposed a comprehensive audio and visual camera system overhaul for the district's aging fleet of school buses.

Currently, over half of the district's buses are equipped with outdated technology, with some systems ranging from 8 to 25 years old. This aging infrastructure has led to reliability issues, making it difficult to access crucial footage during incidents. The proposed upgrade aims to address these challenges by implementing a modern surveillance system from Gatekeeper, a well-established provider in K-12 transportation safety.

The new system will feature eight cameras per bus, significantly increasing the coverage from the current four to seven cameras. This enhancement is expected to improve monitoring capabilities, ensuring that more students are effectively captured on video during their rides. Additionally, the upgraded system will include real-time monitoring, live feeds, GPS, cellular, and Wi-Fi capabilities, along with a driver alert button to enhance safety measures.

Board members expressed the urgency of this upgrade, noting that the current system's unreliability has made it a challenge to document incidents accurately. The proposed changes are not only a response to past issues but also a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of students during their commutes.

As the district moves forward with this initiative, the implementation of the new camera system is anticipated to provide a safer environment for students and peace of mind for parents and staff alike. The board's commitment to improving transportation safety reflects a broader dedication to student welfare within the Lyon County School District.