Dec 27, 2007 10:20 pm US/Eastern
Students Discover Secret Cameras In Newton School
Cameras Hidden In School, Disguised As Smoke Detectors
NEWTON (WBZ) ―
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Several cameras were installed in Newton South High School last summer behind dark-tinted domes or were disguised as smoke detectors.
Denebola
A high school newspaper has scored a big scoop, revealing the existence of hidden cameras in the hallways of Newton South High School.
And both the school committee and teachers union want to know why they weren't told about the cameras, which weren't yet working.
Newton South's principal, Brian Salzer, declined to speak on camera with WBZ-TV, but said the students brought the issue to his attention.
The editors of "
Denebola" wouldn't say how they found out about the cameras.
"It came through a number of sources, which we corraborated independently," said reporter Nate Yeo. "We went around looking at these things. We got confirmation from our principal."
"I was really shocked that we found out through our own sources instead of official means," said managing editor Jason Kuo. "That was really surprising."
They said the cameras should have been discussed before they were installed this summer behind dark-tinted domes or disguised as smoke detectors.
"It seemed really weird to have cameras hidden as smoke detectors when faculty and administration and students have tried to have this open relationship," editor-in-chief Olivia DaDalt.
Superintendent Jeffrey Young told the paper the cameras were placed outside locker rooms and bathrooms where officials noted several thefts of student property and vandalism.
He wasn't sure why they weren't working.
Young said the schools didn't introduce the security measure "in a particularly great way."
"Our newspaper should not have been the first ones to tell the school community about what happened," said editor-in-chief Alex Schneider.
School Committee Chair Dori Zaleznik said she knew nothing of the hidden cameras until the students' article came out.
Teachers Association President Cheryl Turgel said the faculty at the school should have been informed.
"We're not for or against cameras. We just feel the general community should be able to discuss this," said Kuo.
The fallout from the story surprised the group of young journalists. It wasn't the kind of attention one might expect for a high school newspaper.
"I don't think we'll write an important story like this for awhile," Yeo said.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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