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After enduring yet another arson fire early Saturday morning, the School Board put off a decision to approve the installation of security cameras, which some say could deter such mayhem and protect the students at Berkeley High. 

Superintendent Jack McLaughlin told the board Wednesday night that he didn’t expect them to vote on the matter without more details on exactly how the cameras would be used, how much they would cost and what the ramifications would be.  

“I need more details... we need a very clear policy,” said Board Vice President Terry Doran. “Is there precedent for this, and what is the feeling within the schools that use them?” 

McLaughlin said he would have a detailed policy for the board next week. 

“My concern is the security at the school and the feelings of students at the school. I wouldn’t want a system that would keep kids from acting like kids,” Doran said. 

Newly sworn-in Student Director Niles Xi ‘an Lichtenstein echoed Doran’s comments and asked that a dialogue be opened with the students so they could have a voice in the matter. 

“The cameras may give the feeling that school is becoming more of a controlled area than what school should be,” he said. “There should be communication with the students to find a comfort level.”  

He added that it may prove costly, not just for the installation and use, but because the “Big Brother” atmosphere the cameras could create may make them targets for vandalism. 

“Students would be prone to break the cameras in the hallways, because they represent a symbol of oppression,” he said. 

He added that the cameras might make underclassmen feel a little safer in the hallways. 

“I remember what it was like being a freshman, and being intimidated by the older kids,” he said. 

Speaking in favor of the cameras, School Board President Joaquin Rivera said the cameras would act as a watchful eye on student behavior. The point is to have an aid in investigations and a deterrent for the firestarters and vandals, he said. 

“We’re not putting in the cameras to monitor the students,” he said. “We want to make sure that Berkeley High is a safe place and we want to deter any activity that may harm students.” 

“The truth is security cameras are already everywhere,” he said.