K-M board changes stance on meeting recordings

The Kasson-Mantorville School Board unanimously approved a measure last Monday to begin recording all regular and special school board meetings.
In 2024, the school board passed a resolution to record regular board meetings. Current board member Patrick Madery voted against that measure but supported recording both last week’s resolution.
New Kasson-Mantorville Superintendent Beth Giese has told the Dodge County Independent she believes all meetings should be recorded.
“I have stressed that I believe everything should be recorded,” she wrote ahead of the work session last month. “We believe that we should have the entire board vote on this, it is not a (superintendent) decision, I follow the directives given to me by the school board, and I support their decisions.”
During a previous work session, board members talked about the benefits of recording all meetings.
“I think it’s valuable for transparency,” Clerk Kate Ryan said. “It’s a great way to connect with the community.”
Elizabeth Armstrong agreed that the district needed to be transparent. Aaron Stockard added that transparency would be important if a levy referendum increased voter interest.
The school board meeting last Monday was recorded; however, due to an error during recording, there was no audio available for the meeting.