School Board May Pay to Tape its Meetings

If the current offerings of reality television don’t pique your interest, some new entertainment may be on the horizon thanks to the West Morris Regional Board of Education.

Board secretary and district business administrator Doug Pechanec announced Monday night he plans to bring a resolution to the body within the next month that would allow for all meetings to be taped, with funding from the board.

Pechanec said many community members have reached out to him offering to send donations to have the meetings taped to buffer the cost.

The last four board meetings have been video taped by Mendham Television, funded by donations from private citizens. Mendham Television is only accessible to residents of the Chesters and Mendhams.

The cost for a production company–hired by the board–is $13,000 for 20 tapings, Pechanec said. An upfront cost of between $5,000 and $8,000 for the proper equipment would also be necessary.

The board’s finance committee is currently undergoing its budget construction for the 2012-13 school year, and “will keep it in mind while building” the budget according to board president Cristen Forrester.

Editor's note: Board secretary Doug Pechanec's reference to a resolution is regarding the idea of creating a separate account that would allow for donations to be given toward the taping of meetings. If there is not enough money in the account, the board would not be held liable for continuing the taping of meetings. Board president Cristen Forrester, as stated above, said the finance committee will consider it in the budget planning process, but only factor it in if funds are available.