Glen Ellyn District 41 to continue studying broadcasting meetings

The Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 school board directed administrators Monday to further study potentially live-streaming video or audio of board meetings.

According to board documents, live-streaming video of the meetings would cost an initial investment of about $12,000 or more, which would cover the cost of equipment, as well as an estimated annual cost ranging from $99 to $999.

"I think it's a good idea to always provide more engagement opportunities, more communication," Chief Communications Officer Erika Krehbiel said.

The district currently posts audio recordings of board meetings online after they occur.

Board member Erica Nelson pointed out that according to recent district research, so far in 2015, the district has seen 84 hits on the audio recordings from as far back as 2009.

But board President John Kenwood said they have always known the demand for things like audio recordings has been low.

"It's not like there's a demand that's sitting out there waiting for any of this, really," Kenwood said. " ... It's just a part of what we do to reach out to people."

Nelson said she thinks it's a lot of money to live-stream videos and suggested piloting posting video recordings of the meetings without live-streaming them.

But Kenwood said solely posting videos would not be different than what the district currently does with its audio recordings. He said with streaming, those who cannot attend board meetings can still tune in to board business.