Some new members of the Community Unit District 201 School Board campaigned on the theme of increasing transparency. Here’s how they can get off to a good start: They should release information regarding Superintendent Steve Baule’s contract, particularly the goals set forth by the previous board.
Baule was offered a 3.9 percent raise April 14, to take effect at the start of the 2009-10 school year, based on his meeting expectations outlined by the board.
That’s nice, but members of the previous board have steadfastly refused to release the goals they set for Baule. The Westmont Progress has filed Freedom of Information Act requests to view relevant portions of Baule’s contract, as has new board member Joel Price.
All such FOIA requests have so far been turned down, so we don’t know what expectations were met by Baule to merit a raise. It would be good to see if the taxpayers are getting their money’s worth.
Some of the new board members said they wanted to increase transparency and improve communication with residents. These are worthy goals, and they are to be commended for setting them.
Now is the time for them to start making good on their campaign pledges. Shedding some light on what expectations have been met by Baule would be an excellent way for these board members to show they’re open to more public scrutiny.
