Derby School Board Seeks Bus Cameras to Deter Passing Motorists

The decision to implement the camera system ultimately lies with the Derby Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Derby School Board unanimously voted to request that cameras be installed on school buses to deter drivers from illegally passing stopped buses. The proposal will now go before the Derby Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen, who have the authority to approve and implement the camera system. The move comes after videos surfaced on social media showing vehicles blatantly passing stopped school buses, raising serious safety concerns.

Why it matters

Passing stopped school buses is a major safety issue, as it puts children at risk of being struck by vehicles. The school board's proposal aims to address this problem and improve safety for students in the Derby community. The use of bus-mounted cameras has proven effective in other Connecticut cities in reducing the number of illegal passing incidents.

The details

The proposed camera system would be provided by Buspatrol, a company that has installed similar systems in other Connecticut cities. The cameras would capture video of vehicles passing stopped school buses, and the registered owners of those vehicles would receive a $250 fine. Buspatrol would take a portion of the fine revenue, while the remaining funds would go towards public safety initiatives in Derby. The school board discussed the potential for a 30-day grace period to allow for public awareness, but some members expressed concern that this would send the wrong message.

  • In January, a Derby Avenue resident posted videos on Facebook showing vehicles passing stopped school buses.
  • On February 3, 2026, the Derby School Board unanimously voted to request the installation of bus-mounted cameras.
  • The Derby Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen will discuss the proposal at a meeting in March 2026.

The players

Derby Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Conway

Superintendent of the Derby public school system, who commented on the egregious video of a vehicle passing a stopped school bus.

Brad MacDowall

Community partnership sales manager with Buspatrol, the company that would provide the bus-mounted camera system.

Derby School Board Chairman Ken Marcucio

Chairman of the Derby School Board, who raised questions about the financial aspects of the proposed camera system.

Derby Deputy Police Chief Brian Grogan

Deputy police chief of the Derby Police Department, who attended the school board meeting and emphasized that the camera system should be viewed as a deterrent, not a revenue generator.

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What they’re saying

“They're breaking the law.”

— Kimberly Tovar, School Board Member (newhavenindependent.org)

“Think of it as a way to change behavior, a deterrent.”

— Brian Grogan, Deputy Police Chief (newhavenindependent.org)

What’s next

The Derby Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen will discuss the proposal to install bus-mounted cameras at a meeting in March 2026. If approved, the city will need to pass a local ordinance to allow the camera system to be implemented.

The takeaway

The Derby School Board's proposal to install bus-mounted cameras highlights the ongoing issue of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses, putting children at risk. While the ultimate decision rests with the city's elected officials, the move demonstrates the community's commitment to improving student safety and deterring this dangerous behavior.