LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill to widen the use of private meetings for governing bodies pits leaders of Nebraska’s media outlets against the state’s public school boards.

A legislative committee heard testimony Wednesday on a measure by Sen. Roy Baker of Lincoln that would allow school boards to hold private sessions when narrowing down job applicants. Current law only allows for closed sessions if they are necessary to prevent “needless injury” to reputation.

School officials say good candidates deserve confidentiality during the selection process and school boards need privacy to engage in honest discussions.

Members of the media say in many areas the school superintendent is the highest paid position, and taxpayers deserve to know who is being considered for the role.

The committee took no action on the bill.