By ALICIA FEYERHERM
Tiger Media Network
The USD 489 Board of Education discussed recording work sessions during Monday’s regular meeting.
Board President Curt Vajnar said as long as he has been on the board, there has been talk of recording work sessions but no definitive action. He motioned to implement recording work sessions and board member Derek Yarmer seconded the motion.
Vajnar said the recordings would be helpful to the public as well as for board members who may miss a work session.
Superintendent Ron Wilson said if the board were to choose to go that direction, a fish eye camera would likely be purchased for work session recordings. Currently, Hays High Audio/Video Communications Teacher Jake Dechant broadcasts all meetings. The fish eye camera would take his place during those work sessions.
Board member Jayme Goetz said even if Dechant is not physically present, he should still receive compensation for additional meetings or work sessions.
“He’s still is in charge of upkeeping and maintaining the equipment, downloading and uploading and all of the little magic they do to make it watchable,” Goetz said.
Board member Ruth Ruder said Cristina Janney with Hays Posts reports on all regular meetings and work sessions so the public is informed. She also noted that City and County Commission do not record their work sessions.
“I have nothing to hide as far as the work sessions,” Ruder said. “Anyone can attend.”
However, Ruder said that with work sessions, the tables are arranged differently, which may make camera changes or other logistics more difficult.
“I just feel like if you’re going to put it out to the public, then we have to have the right equipment to put it out,” Ruder said.
Board member Ken Brooks said it makes sense to keep things the way they are. He said the purpose of work sessions is to be more informal and informational. As always, the public is welcome to attend.
“We’re not doing anything behind anyone’s back,” Brooks said.
Yarmer said he missed a work session and would have liked to go back and hear what was discussed. Brooks agreed, saying he has also missed a work session but that things like that will happen.
Board member Allen Park said the information presented at work sessions is helpful and that the public would benefit from that information as well.
“I’ll just reiterate, like Ruth said, our City and County don’t do it and there’s a reason,” Brooks said. “It is time for us to get information and help us make decisions and politics is not involved. Put the camera off. Politics are not involved.”
The motion failed, with Park, Vajnar and Yarmer voting for the motion and Brooks, Goetz, Ruder and board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp voting against.
Other items approved at the meeting included:
- Motion to approve furniture for new addition of Roosevelt Elementary School from Scott-Rice for $169,411.57
- Motion to approve a bid from Nex-Tech for Salto access control locks at O’Loughlin Elementary School in the amount of $53,789.25
- Motion to accept the high bid from Turn-Key Property Solutions for $850,000 for the purchase of Lincoln Elementary and designate Bill Jeter, School District Attorney, and Ron Wilson, Superintendent, to enter into contract negotiations for completed settlement of sale with Turn-Key Property Solutions
The next board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on December 9 at the Rockwell Administration Center.