[Winona Online Democracy]
Paul and others, I'm sure we all remember that all of our meetings were
audio taped. Arnie Dufseth was always changing tapes during our meetings. If
I remember correctly, we were told that tapes had to be made and kept for a
certain period of time. I do remember specifically that we had to tape all
closed negotiation strategy sessions so that anyone could listen to them
after a contract was settled. I'm sure other former board members remember
this because we had to stop at times until the tapes were changed. Perhaps
the laws have changed, but I think all meetings should be at least audio
taped to protect the integrity of the board and administration. There was
quite a bit of money spent on the sound system we used in the lower library
and that system should still be around. Mr. Ramsdell and Dr Barr had input
into the use and purchase of that system. Perhaps they might know where it
is. I know how easy it is to talk quietly at meetings. Our city council
meets in a much smaller room and we are always asked to speak louder also.
If the board wants to meet at the high school, why not have at student from
TV production or a volunteer do the taping. I'm sure the cable companies
would broadcast it on their systems.
We also had many lengthy meetings and while trying to stay away from
formal Robert's Rules to get things going, we did use them on occasion. As
chair, I always felt it was my challenge to keep the meetings going and
moving along. It is a very difficult task at times and I appreciate the
challenges that presents. I think people should be encouraged to contact
their school board members. Our phones were always ringing with questions
and opinions and that's part of the job. I also think board members should
visit all of the schools at least in their district and/or attend a
site-base meeting on occasion.
As elected officials being council members, mayors, school board
members, county commissioners, etc., we need to be accessible and be a
source of either knowledge or referral. I think our current board is
working hard and trying to do the best for all of our students and parents.
Hearty discussion and disagreement lead to usually better decisions.
Remember all the disagreement previous boards went through. Keep up the
good work and try to be as open as possible. Committees are great and
provide a lot of background work for board discussion. The hardest thing for
a school board to do is keep focused on policy issues and stay out of
micro-management. That's what we pay the big bucks to administrators to do.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope this can help to some degree. Dick
Gaffron
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Online Democracy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 10:32 PM
Subject: FW: re: [Winona] School Board Meeting Format
Assuming the sound system is found and --
With all the schools having cable or T1 internet access isn't it possible to
have an audio and video feed to the media or the district web site of the
board meetings from any school building or at city hall where ever they are
held? Can they be replayed on the district web site? A live audio stream
could also be available on the program channels of both cable systems.
Paul Double
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf
Of Dick Gaffron
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 6:51 AM
[Winona Online Democracy]
Years ago when we met in the lower library, there was a sound system
available with mikes for everyone. What ever happened to that system? Also,
it was then required that all school board meeting be at least audio taped.
Finally, for those of us in the rural areas, we would really like the
meetings, both study sessions and regular meetings, to be televised. Charter
provides them to us at least in Rollingstone on our government access
channel. I would encourage the board to hold all their meetings at City
Hall so all of us can be a part of your discussion. Dick Gaffron
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