CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Board of Education has approved a policy relating to the live streaming of school board meetings across the state.
The policy would require board meetings at the county level to be live streamed and recorded via audio and video then posted online within five business days after the meeting.
It would also allow people to participate in board meetings, telephonically or electronically, by requesting to make presentations in advance.
The board advanced the policy during last week’s monthly meeting in Charleston.
Alexandra Criner, director of the WVDE Office of Accountability, said the change would ensure transparency and accessibility in public meetings for all 55 county school districts.
“It’s our goal to be supportive to them throughout this first year of getting it off the ground, look at where the hiccups are and then we can address that and be responsive to that as we walk through this process with the county boards,” Criner told the state BOE.
Criner said each county will have a different set up.
“It may not be the same level. They may not have camera set up around the room or that sort of thing, but definitely someone with an iPad and a tripod can get that done,” Criner said.
Criner added the technology is there because students use it every day.
“We are asking students to access the internet on a daily basis in those same buildings where they’re having those meetings so there should be, in most cases, access to that technology,” she said.
State BOE member Debra Sullivan said state school board meetings have to be accessible on the website for five years, but there is little clarity on what the timeline is for county school boards.
Criner said the state board may not have as much shift in a five-year time period compared to a local boards.
“In a local board within five years you may have a different board and a different superintendent. Those things shift a little more quickly,” she said. “The focus for us is transparency and engagement with your local community.”
The policy is up for public comment for 30 days and can be reviewed HERE.
Story by Carrie Hodousek, MetroNews