Norwin School Board faces public backlash over removal of meeting recordings

The Norwin Board of Education convened on June 23, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including budget approvals and public concerns regarding the removal of meeting recordings from the district's YouTube channel.

During the meeting, the board voted on two significant financial matters. The first was the approval of the homestead exclusion, which received unanimous support with nine votes in favor. However, the board faced dissent regarding the budget, with one member expressing opposition due to financial constraints. This vote resulted in a split decision, with five members voting in favor and four against.

The meeting also included a series of personnel items, which were approved without controversy. The board moved on to discuss ten items related to facilities and support services. While most members supported these items, one board member voted against them, citing affordability concerns.

Public comments were a focal point of the meeting, with community members expressing strong opinions about the district's decision to remove recordings of board meetings from its YouTube channel. Dustin Logue, a resident, criticized the removal, arguing that video recordings serve as essential public records and should not be deleted. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public meetings.

Another speaker, Alex Ditcho, echoed these concerns, referencing an advisory opinion from the Office of Open Records that supports the notion that video recordings are public records. He raised questions about the motivations behind the removal and urged the board to reconsider its decision.

The board acknowledged the public's concerns but did not provide immediate responses during the meeting. The discussions highlighted a growing demand for transparency and accountability within the Norwin School District, particularly regarding public access to meeting records. The board's next steps in addressing these issues remain to be seen as they navigate community feedback and legal considerations.