The TVUSD Board Limits Public Access

One of the few good things from the last year has been the ability of the public to be more aware and engaged when it comes to the activities of local legislative bodies. Covid restrictions compelled these bodies to livestream meetings since in-person was not an option. Livestreaming is inexpensive, it ensures greater public access, and it should continue even as Covid restrictions are lessening.

On May 18, three of the five TVUSD Board members decided that livestreaming and enhanced public access aren't important. In other words, they believe that less public awareness and engagement is best when it comes to the business of our public school district. How is this decision in the best interest of the community that elects the Board? This decision wasn't based on technology because the District has successfully livestreamed for many months. It wasn't based on funding because this process is inexpensive and the District will finish this year with a massive ending fund balance.

Why does TVUSD want the public to have the minimum allowable level of access? It's all about controlling the message and limiting public awareness of critiques, criticisms, and challenging questions. The plan is for the District's Public Information Office to write highlights of the meetings that will then be available to the public. This means the District will subjectively craft and sanitize their version of meetings in the manner that portrays leadership in the best possible light, rather than allowing the public to see the unvarnished truth.

Unilateral control of public messaging for the purpose of promoting the image of governmental leadership is something that I witnessed firsthand when I visited North Korea in 2017. This model is inconsistent with the best interests of the public and should not be emulated in Temecula.

It can be difficult to attend a Board meeting in person, especially with work and family responsibilities. For a person living in French Valley, it may take 30 minutes just to get to the District Office on a Tuesday night. For a single parent, it may be prohibitively difficult to devote the time necessary to attend in person. Sometimes, like last Tuesday, it can take more than four hours to get through the agenda. Reverting to an antiquated policy that allows the minimum amount of public access to the meetings of our public school board has no endearing public value.

A legitimate democratic process should be grounded in a desire for enhanced transparency and public access. Technology creates a wonderful opportunity for increased civic engagement and that should be embraced, not feared. The State Board of Education has been livestreaming their meetings for years and this sets a great example for local school boards. The TVUSD Board and Superintendent McClay should revisit this issue at the next Board Meeting and commit to enhanced, not diminished, community access and engagement. Bring back the livestreaming.