In December 2025, the Chico Unified School District quietly approved a $2 million contract with Riverside Technologies, which includes a wide selection of high-tech cameras made by a tech company called Verkada.
How do they use AI?
While constantly recording through cameras, they can quickly search and access critical footage across campus. It can also scan IDs easily and has the capability of facial recognition. A campus-wide lockdown can be activated instantly via desktop, phone, or panic button, which is, to say the least, terrifying.
But ultimately, at a meeting last month, the Chico Unified School District decided against using AI features in cameras after parents and teachers voiced their concerns.
Compared to Big Brother from the novel 1984, AI Cameras are often portrayed as an all-seeing villain. However, other countries are using these cameras in education, giving us an idea of what could have been.
In China, AI is used in classrooms in several ways. One example is an AI-powered headband worn by students that displays different colors to indicate their levels of concentration, with the data shared with parents and teachers.
Some schools also use AI robots in classrooms and homes that can be used to analyze a student’s health and engagement levels.
In parts of West Africa, AI serves as a virtual mentor available 24/7. In Brazil, AI monitors student progress and offers personalized learning support.
At CORE Butte High School, we do not have to worry about artificial intelligence powering our cameras. According to our Principal, Matt Harvey, CORE would not have even considered it. “Transparency is huge,” Mr. Harvey said, explaining the importance of weighing the “benefits and dangers” of everything, especially regarding privacy and safety concerns.
So what about our current cameras?
CORE Butte’s cameras are located outside the buildings and only monitor who enters and exits campus. They operate live throughout the day and allow administrators to review saved footage; we do not use any AI.