• BDDI: Print and Electronic News Media at Board Meetings

    Policy

    Information about the District shall be disseminated to members of the print and electronic news media in an accurate and timely manner.

    Coverage of Board of Education Meetings

    Notice of all regular official meetings of the District’s Board of Education shall be provided in accordance with Ohio’s Sunshine Laws (Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22). In Cases of special meetings, parties who have requested notice pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22 will be provided with at least twenty-four-hour advance notice of such meetings except in the event of an emergency regarding immediate official action. In such emergency circumstances, member of the media who have previously requested to be notified of special or emergency meetings shall be immediately notified of the time, place, and purpose of the emergency meeting. As long as the notice requirements have been met, the Board need not delay commencement of an emergency meeting until a time when the media is able to attend.

    Accommodations for news media equipment shall be made at all public Board meetings. Media presence and equipment shall not distract from the prime purpose of the meeting nor interfere with the ability of others present to see, hear, and participate in the meeting.

    Coverage of meetings may be restricted in accordance with Ohio’s Sunshine Laws, including the holding of executive session meetings which are not open to the public.

    The Board may make the necessary arrangements to make audio recordings of all regular meetings and any special meeting that it deems appropriate.

    • Coverage of District Events and Operations. Accurate and timely information regarding district events and activities shall be provided.
    • News media representatives may receive clearance for coverage of District events and operations so long as coverage does not
      • Violate and individual ‘s right to privacy
      • Impede the safety and security of students and staff
      • Disrupt the educational process

    The Chair and/or his or her designee shall be the only member of the Board who is an official spokesperson for the Board.

    The Chief Executive Officer and /or his or her designees shall be the only administrator who is an official spokesperson for the District.

    History

    • Adopted: October 4, 2001
    • Amended: May 26, 2009
    • Reviewed: October 22, 2019

    Legal References