JACKSON, Mich. — Northwest Community School's have narrowed down options of digital firms to redact a bus ride home footage. It could cost up to $5,500.
In August bus # 23 came under fire after students complained to their parents that the bus driver made them put all the windows up on the bus as punishment.
FOX 47 News sent in a freedom of information act request for the release of the bus video but was denied by the district citing privacy laws. Alumnus Lee Belding filed a lawsuit to have the video release and won. Belding is responsible, under the lawsuit, to pay for the redaction price.
However, the district must first blur the children's faces in the video. In a special board meeting on Monday, the district voted to not appeal the process and would begin finding a digital firm to redact the video.
The contacted four digital firms to blur the faces of moving students in a three-framed video. The one that would cost the least, Legal Video Service, Inc., is a firm in Florida, and it would cost Belding $3,500-$5,500.
Belding has to pay 50% in the amount of $1,750. Once the district has received the payment they can begin the redaction process. The estimated time will take 2-3 weeks. Payment in full is expected before the final disclosure.
According to the district the Florida firm has not reviewed the video, so the final rate could be more expensive. In the event that it is, Belding will be notified.
Parents described their kids' as they walked off the bus with very red faces, and sweaty.
The district watched the bus video at the time and said that the kids were sticking their hands out the windows. The bus driver asked that the kids pull up the windows for safety, according to the district.
The bus driver drove for Dean transportation and was a substitute on that route. The district has asked that he not return.
Northwest Community Schools has sent out letters to parents of students riding bus #23 in August, informing them of the release.
