Security cameras deactivated at central office

RED OAK — Amidst accusations of illegal meetings, the Red Oak school board met last week in a building that had the security cameras intentionally deactivated. 

Red Oak Superintendent Terry Schmidt confirmed Friday he directed school personnel to deactivate the Administration Center’s cameras early Wednesday morning. 

Schmidt said an attorney handling the upcoming administrative hearing regarding high school principal Jedd Sherman’s termination were meeting with teachers throughout the day. In an effort to maintain their confidentiality, Schmidt had the cameras deactivated. 

“Several teachers were concerned about coming and it being known they were being interviewed by the attorney,” Schmidt said in an interview with Red Oak Express Editor Gregory Orear and KCSI Station Manager Jerry Dietz. “I told the teachers this: I would do everything I could do to protect your confidentiality.”

Schmidt estimates about 15 teachers were interviewed throughout the day. 

He also said he instructed personnel to turn the cameras back on “at the end of the day.” 

However, the cameras remained turned off until Thursday evening. Schmidt could not explain why they weren’t turned on before that. 

He also said the school has no policy regarding the operation of the cameras and when/if they are required to be active.