JCHS Parents NOT Smiling For Camera In Boy’s Restroom

A recent decision of Administration at Jefferson County High School to place a camera in the Boy’s restroom has become an issue of concern among students and parents. The restroom in question is located in the Commons areas of Jefferson County High School and is used by both students and the visiting public. When rumors of the camera began to surface, some parents questioned the validity of the information provided by their students. However, a representative of the Jefferson County Department of Education, Michael Phagan, who serves as the Director of Business Affairs and oversees the Maintenance Department, confirmed that a camera was installed in the Commons Area Boy’s restroom. Phagan said that the camera installation was made at the directive of Jefferson County High School Principal Walker to address ongoing vandalism concerns.

While some schools in the County have cameras that are located outside the restroom door, to record the coming and going of students, the camera in question was located inside the restroom. Phagan stated that it was pointed at the sink area to address reoccurring vandalism of the sinks but that it has been taken down. According to information provided by students and parents, the camera was discovered by students who then complained about its location inside the restroom. Phagan said that the camera was not up very long but he was unsure of the length of time that it was in place recording action in the Boy’s restroom. Phagan, himself, has not viewed the tapes and did not believe that they had revealed any information regarding the vandalism. According to the Department of Education, no cameras were placed in the Girl’s restroom.