We're pleased to see the Jefferson City school board following in the footsteps of other governmental bodies such as the Jefferson City Council and Cole County Commission by live streaming their meetings.
When the system is up and running, it will allow anyone with an interest in the board's affairs to watch their monthly meetings live and unedited.
Board member Michael Couty described the move as "a long time coming."
We've commended acts of governmental openness and transparency in the past, and we'll continue to do so in the future.
The school board is one of the most important governmental bodies in our city. Regardless of where your children attend school - or even if you don't have children - you should care about the board's affairs.
The board governs the school district, which is funded by your tax dollars. The decision the board makes affects the education of our children - the future of our community.
Jefferson City residents this spring made a substantial investment in that future by approving a property tax increase to fund the construction of a second public high school and renovation of the current Jefferson City High School.
Everyone in our community, therefore, should want to keep up with the issues faced by the board.
The News Tribune has reported on those issues in the past, and will continue to do so. But we also hope the public will take advantage of the ability to watch the meetings from home from time to time. Of course, the meetings are open to the public, and you're welcome to attend. Live streaming, for many, should be a more convenient way to see the entire meeting.
The $12,400 system includes four cameras - two mounted and two mobile.
The district will use the system for more than just streaming meetings. The mobile cameras will enable the district to stream numerous functions and events beyond board meetings, like musical and other performances at the Capitol or the Miller Performing Arts Center, or, perhaps, other things such as sporting events.
Superintendent Larry Linthacum said the district would explore having high school students involved in media courses operate the cameras.
We believe the investment is worth the added level of transparency, and we urge the community to take advantage of it.