BROADCASTING/TAPING/RECORDING OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
NEPN/NSBA Code:  BEDJ

Members of the public may use electronic recording devices to record School Committee meetings or portions of public School Committee meetings. 

The following guidelines will govern the public use of electronic recording devices, including those used for television broadcasting at the public meetings of the School Committee and subcommittees of the School Committee.

Any such device may be used by a member of the public so long as it does not:

A. Require the occasional or frequent relocation of a microphone or microphones in such a manner as to be disruptive to speakers or other persons present; 
B. Require excessive space in the meeting room so that any participants or observers at the meeting are displaced, excluded or cannot see because of the device;
C. Produce continuous or periodic sounds that interfere with speakers or with the ability of all persons present to hear the proceedings; and/or 
D. Require the use of power cords and microphone cords that would interfere with the free movement of traffic into, out of, and within the meeting room.

The Chair has the authority to request that any person using a cell phone or other recording device to comply with the provisions of this policy when, in their judgment, the activity is interfering with the orderly conduct of the meeting and/or the ability of the public to observe the proceedings.  If the problem persists, the Chair may direct that the recording be discontinued and, if necessary, that the recording device be removed from the meeting room.

RECORDING OF REMOTE MEETINGS

When the School Committee holds a remote meeting of the full School Committee or otherwise holds a meeting in which remote public participation must be permitted, members of the public must be permitted to record the meeting remotely provided that additional costs are not incurred by the School Committee, and the recording of the proceeding does not interfere with the orderly conduct of the meeting.

Members of the public are not permitted to attend or record any executive session of the School Committee, whether the meeting is held in person or remotely.

Legal Reference: 1 MRSA §403-B
Cross Reference: BEDH– Public Participation and School Board Meetings

Adopted: April 25, 2024