Moniteau School Board passed several measures — but not without debate — during a meeting Monday that covered everything from livestreaming at board meetings to a lawsuit against vaping product companies.

During the meeting — which was in-person and livestreamed — the board voted 7-2 to stop video streaming at meetings due to costs and the state's loosening of restrictions on public gatherings.

Board member Randy Armagost said the board was already struggling with its budget for the 2020-21 school year and did not need to add another expense.

“We're going to have to pay for this,” said Armagost, waving his hand toward the camera. “Where are we going to get the money?”

A policy regarding school wellness, which passed 6-3, also led to some debate. Board members Armagost, Linda Dillaman and Michael Baptiste voted against the motion.

According to district superintendent Thomas Samosky, the policy change would restrict selling unhealthy foods during the school day. One example is that candy bar sales, a popular fundraiser for many children, would not be permitted during the school day.

“If they're still going to sell them to families, they're still able to do that,” Samosky said. “It just puts it in place that we're providing healthy food to our students on a daily basis.”

Samosky said the policy change was prompted because it was not compliant with state standards.

“It's a policy change that came through an audit from the state of Pennsylvania,” he said.

Baptiste said his wife is an elementary school teacher, and he was concerned that she would not longer be able to use treats as incentives.

Another vote prompting debate was in regard to entering a lawsuit against Juul Labs and vaping product companies.

The board voted 7-2 in favor of joining the lawsuit with a number of other school districts, including some in Butler County. Dissenters included Joann Duke and Armagost.

Duke, the board vice president, said she didn't have an issue with the notion of entering the lawsuit, and she understands its relevance. She said she was concerned the amount of time spent in gathering information for the suit would detract from the district's attention and might not be worth the reward.

“Really, I have nothing against it,” Duke said. “But would the benefit outweigh the work put in?”

Duke said the district is focusing on how to return to school, and she believes the attention should remain on doing so safely.

“Everyone is working day and night trying to figure out everything for the fall,” she said.

The school board unanimously approved its Return to Play procedures involving the return of athletes to sporting activities. Sports will begin July 1 for the Moniteau Warriors.

Samosky said he also wants to see back-to-school plans further developed and discussed by the board at the next meeting.

“We're working on our return-to-school plan right now,” he said. “We're excited to have that plan.”