Roseville school board approves bus cameras, boilers purchases

ROSEVILLE — New bus security cameras and new hot water tanks are in store for Roseville Community Schools.

At the May 1 Roseville Community Schools Board of Education meeting, the school board voted 7-0 to approve the purchase of new bus security cameras and 12 new hot water tanks to be installed throughout the district.

The hot water tanks will cost $160,814.64 and will be purchased through Detroit Boiler, located in Detroit. Bond funds from series one of the $58.9 million issue that voters approved in 2018 will pay for the hot water tank replacements.

The security cameras cost $89,705.01 and will be purchased through Unity School Bus Parts in Clinton Township. Building and Grounds Director Joseph Smith said the district currently has four-camera systems in the buses, and the upgrade will allow for a six-camera system.

“It will provide outer bus coverage,” Smith said. “We were looking for something we could use and that we need.”

Funding will come from the Section 97 security grant of the State School Aid Act for the 2022-2023 school year.

According to school officials, the cameras will be ordered for each bus in the district. The extra two cameras will be added into the cabin area and are designed to provide a better overall view than the current system.

During the meeting, board Secretary Joseph De Felice reminded the audience of the April 26 incident in Warren Consolidated Schools in which Carter Middle School seventh grade student Dillon Reeves stopped the school bus after school when the bus driver lost consciousness while in transit. Reeves brought the bus to safety, and there were no injuries or damages. Video surveillance documented the incident.

“It showed everything he did,” DeFelice said. “These cameras are tremendous. It’s a great idea.”