Note: Email addresses were removed.


-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Hawkins Jr.
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 1:49 PM
To: George Schiro
Subject: Re: Transparency and the Citizens Superintendent Search
Committee


Yes, your memory is correct!  Have a Blessed weekend

 Fred Hawkins, Jr.
 Osceola County Commission
 District 5


-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:32 AM
To: Fred Hawkins Jr.
Subject: RE: Transparency and the Citizens Superintendent Search
Committee


Your idea is very similar to what I suggested during the meeting Fred!

Someone indicated that candidates might try to "game the system" if they could see committee meeting recordings prior to submitting their resumes. So I suggested that the recordings be posted online right after the deadline for resume submission. That's when someone else proposed that we vote on having any recordings at all.

I'll assume that my memory of what we discussed is correct (see below).

Thanks again for your feedback Fred.

'Geo


-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Hawkins Jr.
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:14 AM
To: George Schiro
Subject: Re: Transparency and the Citizens Superintendent Search
Committee


George,

It was good to speak with you and again congratulations on your appointment.  I have thought about the recording of minutes. While I  was not in the meeting to hear the discussion as to why someone would be against recording of the meetings I think I may have a solution.  If someone is worried that potential applicants could listen or watch a video there is a simple solution.  Make the recording only available to the recording secretary till after the selection process is complete.  This way minutes could be properly written by the secretary and available to the public after the process is over?  This is how the county handles executive session minutes when dealing with law suits.  The discussion between commissioners and staff are held and not released to the public till after the case is settled.

I guess I would like to know the reason behind your other board members would be against recording what is said.  Cost should not be a reason as this is an important issue and the citizens are trusting every appointee with the direction of the future of our schools.

Take care and God Bless

 Fred Hawkins, Jr.
 Osceola County Commission
 District 5


-----Original Message-----
From: George Schiro
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 5:17 PM
To: FredHawkins
Subject: Transparency and the Citizens Superintendent Search Committee


Fred,

Thank you as always for your time on the phone. What follows is a summary of our phone call this afternoon.

First, we discussed the usual and customary procedures on the public boards that you have been involved with related to the handling of draft meeting minutes.

You told me that sometimes changes are asked for during the next meeting, but more often than not it is also common for changes to the draft meeting minutes to be asked for prior to the next meeting. These changes are usually submitted to the recording secretary by email and the changes are incorporated into the draft meeting minutes prior to the next meeting for approval at that time.

It has also been your experience that multiple versions of the draft minutes (based on suggested changes by board members) are distributed prior to the meeting during which they must be approved. You agreed that this can save much time over trying to do the same thing during meetings.

We also discussed the fact that the new "Citizens Superintendent Search Committee" has voted to suppress either audio or video recordings of their meetings. It is your view that it is your right as a private citizen (or as a public citizen) to see or hear all such public committee proceedings. Preventing their recording via the usual electronic means is just plain wrong.

Please correct me if I misunderstood you in any way Fred. Also, feel free to elaborate on your views.

Thank you again.

'Geo