Adopted: 1/29/93
Amended: 3/25/94
Reviewed: 11/15/96, 1/24/02
Texas Government Code allows any person in attendance at a school Board meeting to record the public portion of a meeting by means of a "tape recorder, video camera, or any other means of sonic or visual reproduction."
The Code further authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules to maintain order at its meetings. Texas Government Code, 551.023.
The Board encourages the press, the media, and all interested individuals to attend Board meetings and to videotape or record all or any part of the open proceedings. To this end, the School and its staff shall seek to facilitate all reasonable requests relating to videotaping or recording activities. In accomplishing these goals, the Board does not intend to prevent or unreasonably impair camera coverage or tape recording; however, persons using a tape recorder, video camera, or any other means of sonic or visual reproduction shall abide by the following rules at all Board meetings:
1. All equipment that requires setting up must be assembled at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
2. No strobes, flash lighting, or other bright lights that would impair the conduct of the meeting shall be used, unless approval has been obtained before the meeting.
3. The Board proceedings shall not be interrupted for the purpose of accommodating any individual's camera coverage or tape recording. Any interviews during meetings shall be conducted outside of the meeting chamber.
4. The presiding officer at the meeting may stop the sonic or visual reproduction if the individual operating the equipment or the equipment is being disruptive or in any way interfering with the orderly conduct of the Board meeting.
5. Stationary equipment that requires set-up shall not be taken down during the course of the meeting, but may be removed during a recess or after the meeting is over.
6. No tape recorder or video camera shall be allowed in the executive or closed sessions, except as may be authorized by the Board.
Adopted: 1/29/93
Amended: 3/25/94
Reviewed: 11/15/96, 1/24/02
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