By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — In continuing efforts to enhance student safety, camera systems are now aboard Sussex Technical School District’s bus fleet.

Sussex Tech’s board of education approved the purchase of the AngelTrax mobile system cameras, which were installed on each bus in time for the first day of school Aug. 29.

The equipment includes two cameras on each vehicle — one to cover the interior, with another to view the exterior, near the stop arm and facing passing motorists’ rear license plates.

The system operates on a passive monitoring system and utilizes a passive GPS system that can pinpoint locations of incidents and vehicle statistics, including speed, brakes, indicator status and stop-arm deployment.

It replaces aging cameras from various manufacturers that were operating on several different systems.

“The upgraded systems will better enable our staff to maintain a safe environment for our students, as well as provide the additional ability to assist law enforcement with information for any vehicles illegally passing a bus,” said Hud Athey, Sussex Tech’s director of administrative services.

The cost of the project was approximately $95,000, including all hardware and installation.

Additional funds were also allocated for an annual maintenance contract with AngelTrax.

Sussex Tech High School will operate 33 buses with 13 different contractors for the 2022-23 academic year.