Letters to the Editor

In the year 2024, the immense capabilities of technology are almost beyond comprehension.

One can undergo medical testing and, a few hours later, the results are on a phone app.

Security cameras enable homeowners to keep an eye on their pets while at work or witness the delivery of a package while on vacation.

Most churches provide on-line options of their services for public viewing every week.

So why is the Spring Cove School District still not live-streaming or, at the very least, posting recordings of our school board meetings for parents and other taxpayers to view?

Seemingly every school district across the nation went virtual overnight during COVID, but suddenly the recording and posting of Spring Cove School District board meetings is too complex a process to initiate.

I think the reason is simple. The meetings are not recorded because some board members do not want engagement from the community.

The failure to provide remote viewing of board meetings demonstrates a lack of interest in accountability.

Spring Cove taxpayers who are not able to attend board meetings should have the option of viewing the proceedings in their entirety through a live-stream or recorded posting.

While attending meetings, I have witnessed the Board President display a condescending attitude towards other board members and community members during public comment.

It is easy to act so dismissively, and unprofessionally, when there are only a few people in the room and nothing is recorded.

Like many other taxpayers, I find it challenging to budget time to attend school board meetings but attend when I can. I have two children and my husband predominately works evening shifts.

I have heard it said that if the community members cared about what is going on, they would attend the meetings. This is a typical excuse for not making the meetings accessible through remote viewing.

Other districts in our county have adopted this service, such as Altoona Area School District and Hollidaysburg Area School District, so what is the real issue behind Spring Cove’s resistance?

I urge our school board members to embrace 21st Century technology and provide a live-stream and/or recording of the meetings. At the very least, you would gain your sense of accountability.

Also, I urge the community to voice their interest in this topic to the district.

Amanda Walker

East Freedom