Board debate over livestreaming ends with motion to restrict video to board meetings failing
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Summary
A proposal to limit live video streaming to board meetings only (and archive audio for committees/work sessions) failed after extended discussion about cost, technician workload, and public access; the board did not secure the majority needed to approve the change.
The Coffee County Board of Education extensively debated whether to limit live video streaming to board meetings and make committee meetings audio-only. The initial motion would have restricted live video to board meetings; an amendment to continue streaming work sessions but make committee meetings audio-only was added during discussion.
Board members and staff described a tradeoff between transparency and staff time: video requires significant setup and takedown by the district technician, which board members said currently goes uncompensated. Supporters of continuing video streaming cited view counts (more than 200 views on some sessions) and said constituents use the videos when they cannot attend in person. Opponents said many neighboring districts record only board meetings and that the district should either compensate technicians or reduce the scope of live video.
Board members raised security concerns about live-streaming some closed or personnel-related sessions and flagged the risk of live interviews (e.g., director interviews) becoming part of the public record in ways that could compromise process integrity.
After debate and a procedural discussion about what constitutes a majority of the board (the board noted its bylaws and Robert's Rules of Order implications), the amended motion did not receive the number of affirmative votes required by board policy and therefore failed. Board members said committee and work-session recordings remain accessible; staff noted audio recordings of committees are archived on the district website.
Votes at a glance: Motion to limit live video streaming to board meetings only (amended to include live streaming of work sessions and audio-only archiving for committee meetings) — Mover: Miss Jones; Amendment accepted; Outcome: failed (did not receive required majority of full board).