Abby Kousouris
Imagine, having access to a candid meeting of board officials. Watching them sip the coffee, itch their noses, and yawn to the point where their tonsils are visible. All on live television! Sound interesting? Well imagine these officials with no time to prepare. Whatever happens happens. No mess ups can be made because the Board meeting is being broadcasted on BCPSTV.
Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance has started an initiative to make information more accessible to students who attend 160 schools in the county. In order to promote unity in schools and provide accurate information in a timely manner, Dr. Dance has enlisted the help of the Education Channel to broadcast live board meetings to televisions and computers within Baltimore County.
The Board of Education’s Chief Communications Officer, Mychael Dickerson stated, “Board meetings allow for the Board of Education to conduct business related to setting policy for the school system… [They] allow for the board members to be updated on the operations and to provide input as needed.” These meetings are meant to address three central topics: school policy, budget, and property.
Superintendent, Dr. Dallas Dance, wants students to get a first hand look at BCPS board meetings. He has started an initiative to to make information more accesible to students.
Students want to be informed about what is occurring during this process. Despite Dr. Dance’s efforts in making the information available, students aren’t aware of this opportunity to interact with the school system. When asked if he was aware of the broadcast, Josh Reider (12) crossed his eyebrows out of confusion and said, “I had no idea!”
Mr. Dickerson implores students to watch the broadcast. He stated, “Students, parents, and all stakeholders should continue to participate and stay connected as we unveil our 5 year strategic plan, Blueprint 2.0.” Dickerson stated, “The four pillars of the plan have been identified and represent our focus areas moving forward. They are: Academics, Safety, Communications, and Organization effectiveness.”
No doubt, the live board meetings reflect Dr. Dance’s Blueprint 2.0 plan. Josh said, “Dr. Dance shows great initiative, and I would love to watch it.”
Danny Bedwell (10) said, “Maybe my mom would want to watch it, or my dad.”
By tuning in, students and parents are able to see what issues the board is discussing. Dickerson stated, “Major decisions that impact the operation and function of the school division are discussed and decided at board meetings.”
Even though students have been given the opportunity to attend the meetings in person, sometimes students are swamped with school work and extracurricular activities. Megan Weeren (12) said she would go, “If [she] had the spare time.”
“This is why we began to Live Stream meetings on the homepage of our website. It allows anyone to watch the meetings online if they are unable to attend,” stated Dickerson.
Megan said, “I do think that the live stream is helpful because viewers are given an insight to what actually goes on and the topics that are discussed.”
The board members want students to feel welcome and to give them an opportunity to interact with their education.
