Many districts and local governments already broadcast live, archive video
By Andrew Harris
After a year of big changes, new school board leadership, and an interim superintendent starting the job this Tuesday; The Wellsville Central School District Board of Education has an opportunity to start a new chapter.
The first thing they should do is adopt a policy of live streaming all public meetings and provide an archive of recorded meetings on the district website. That single decision will be the beginning of the new chapter, and it will change the school district forever.
Allegany County government has been doing this for years, Andover Central School adopted the policy in 2021. Many New York State school districts have embraced live stream technology, because it is common sense, good governance, and beneficial to the core mission.
Being familiar with these public boards, the power of a live stream has empowered those that the boards serve. Taxpayers, employees, parents, students, and the board members have benefited. In both county and school, the live stream has created better institutions that serve the public.
Wellsville Central School has had their fair share of challenges, and almost all stakeholders in the district have agreed that communications can always be improved. It could be argued that the recent election and leadership changes are a mandate for more transparency and open lines of communication.
It has been obvious that live streaming has changed the game for the Allegany County Legislature. Those in attendance are keenly aware of the camera in the room. That live stream to Facebook captures every word, it captures body language, it empowers both the governed and the government.
As a media outlet, this publication routinely tunes into a live meeting for breaking news, and also uses the archive of meetings as an important point of reference.
For example, two county legislators recently were engaged in a heated debate during a committee meeting. The debate turned into an argument, forcing both legislators to leave the chambers and loudly argue in the hallway outside of the meeting. Those heated moments are rare and to be able to access the video of that interaction during public business is valuable.
As a parent, taxpayer, and family who is totally invested in Wellsville Central Schools I can imagine many benefits for the district. Allowing the public to observe meetings and reference prior meetings will created a more informed public. Having the capability to live stream all home sporting events would be amazing for athletes, families, and fans. It could also create revenue for the district with the right public relations and communciations strategy. With a nationally acclaimed digital media specialist like John Anderson living in Wellsville perhaps the district could benefit from his skills and experience?
Live streaming the elementary school spring music recital would allow grandma and grandpa in Ohio to watch the show. Using live and archived video could be integrated into the culture and cirriculum of Wellsville Central Schools. Interviews at the science fair, sneak peak at rehearsals for the school play, and many other great moments can be part of the Wellsville schools “channel.”
The technology is affordable, the expertise is available, the benefits are many.
I hope the new school board and new administration will move to bring live stream technology into the Wellsville Central School District board room, athletics, and student life.
The school board meets this Tuesday, August 6th in the Wellsville Elementary School at 6pm.
