CPS spending $76 million to expand security cameras at 331 schools

CHICAGO (CBS)-- Chicago Public Schools are investing over $70 million to add and upgrade security cameras.

New cameras are one of the first steps of this safety plan and that $76.3 million investment will ensure that Chicago Public Schools will get those installed.

This will be under a three year installation plan, with the goal add the cameras at least 331 elementary and high schools throughout the city.

It comes after a number of violent shootings right outside of different schools on the West and South sides. Parents have been taking their concerns to school leaders hoping to see some initiative and urgency surrounding student safety.

Whitney Elementary already received new cameras back in December.

The high-quality cameras work with a partnership between CPS, the city as well as the Chicago Police Department with 9-1-1 centers. 

"Seeing that CPS is taking safety seriously by proactively making the investments needed to keep our students safe gives me the piece of mind that is so important to me," An Eli Whitney school official said Wednesday.