The topic of live streaming the MCSD school board meetings has been on the agenda since last fall when Ken White, School Board President, brought it up as a topic for consideration, especially during this Covid-19 period when many parents and residents prefer not to attend mass gatherings.
With technology advancing, live streaming of public meetings is becoming more prevalent.
There are two good options for Livestreaming. Both options will not require any additional investment by the school.
- ICRC-TV
- Zoom Webinar
Our community has experience with both.
- Terrace Park and Mariemont City Councils use ICRC-TV to live stream city council meetings
- Zoom has been used at our schools for virtual learning.
We advocate recorded and live streaming of school board meetings, with a strong preference for either ICRC-TV or Zoom Webinar implementation. Zoom Webinar does not require any additional equipment and can be setup anywhere there is internet. Anyone with a smart phone, computer or tablet can become a participant utilizing the Zoom app.
January Board Meeting Recap
At the request of the Board of Education, Assistant Superintendent Wise gave a report on his findings of meeting recording options. He met with ICRC to review possibilities of recording meetings in the ME cafeteria and where cameras would be stationed.
- If the Board chose to use ICRC for Board meetings, the ME cafeteria would have to be the permanent location of future Board meetings because of the tremendous work and cost associated with removing wiring and re-installing it in a different location.
- The Board requested Mr. Wise to put together an in-depth plan on audio-only recording options and he will present his findings soon.
B4MS Rationale to Support Zoom Webinar or ICRC
- Transparency is fundamental to well-run public institutions, including school districts
- It is often “after the fact” that residents want to view a school board meeting
- Parents and residents are becoming more engaged
- Accessibility to MCSD Board meetings can be an issue for the community
- Board meeting minutes have minimal information regarding speakers.
- People want to know how decisions are made, and what goes on at board meetings
- Both see and hear, unfiltered
- Families overextended with kids’ activities and homework can’t make in person
- Babysitters cost money
- Working parents often travel
- Vacations take place in summer months
- Zoom Webinar is a solid solution
- School is already familiar and has an account
- Good audio & video quality.
- Presentations can be seen (not possible with audio only)
- 24/7 viewing availability.
- Regular/Special board meetings can be held anywhere there is internet.
- ICRC is already used at many school board meetings and Mariemont and Terrace Park City council are using it.
- Already funded
- Good audio & video quality.
- Presentations can be seen (not possible with audio only)
- 24/7 viewing availability.