Hundreds of Sony IPELA network video cameras have been deployed at the Pasadena, Texas Independent School District in what may be the most extensive academic IP-security system to date.

The suburban Houston district installed 782 cameras across 32 campuses, and the full implementation of the IP security system was accomplished in just two months during summer break.

Bob Daughrity, the district’s executive director of technology services, spearheaded the project as part of a large-scale facilities plan for the fast-growing district. He said the plan includes building new campuses and renovating existing facilities, with an overall objective of providing safe schools for students.

After a $299 million bond issue was approved, research as to how best to achieve these goals progressed. Soon, it was clear to school district officials that the broad deployment of IP video security would be a key element. The specifications called for a system that could evolve with future developments and technologies while working alongside an existing system of analog cameras and a digital video recorder.

According to school officials, Chicago-based provider Convergint Technologies answered the RFP with a $2.15 million solution that included Sony cameras, covering the initial equipment, installation and five years of maintenance support.

“We had an extremely aggressive installation schedule to minimize the intrusion on campus,” said Daughrity, who also noted that the cameras were simply plugged into a single Ethernet connector for both data transmission and power.

“Pasadena ISD has a superb reputation for student achievement and safe schools. With technology, our challenge is to maintain and enhance that while working within school budgetary constraints,” said Daughrity.