Russell Polson was commenting yesterday after the Australian Principals Federation called for the cameras to be placed in foyers to prevent staff from being harassed and threatened.

“We have installed them for the safety of students, staff and parents,” Mr Polson said.

“They are really a precautionary measure.”

Mr Polson said cameras installed 12 months ago in the foyers of both the Huon and Felltimber campuses also served a purpose in providing security of school assets.

While Mr Polson said cameras were a good idea, it was up to other schools if they wanted them installed.

Federation president Christopher Cotching said teachers, support staff and principals were being subjected to increasing levels of harassment.

He said some schools had already installed systems.

“There are a growing number of community members, parents, who are going into the foyers of schools and being quite rude, threatening and abusive,” Mr Cotching said.

“By having CCTV cameras in the foyer of every school, what we’ll be doing is just setting the standard a bit higher.”

Wodonga West Primary principal Jocelyn Owen did not believe it necessary to have cameras at her school.

“I believe schools have in place processes that don’t necessitate having cameras in the foyer,” she said.

“Some of these processes are having high expectations of mutual respect and professional behaviour on school premises.”

Albury High School principal Darryl Ward held a similar view.

“We have a good relationship with our school community and I wouldn’t see it as being necessary,” he said.

He said there had been no incidents or issues that would justify security cameras.

A Department of Education spokesman said further training and support was being developed for principals faced with aggressive behaviour but it was up to schools to decide whether to install CCTV cameras.