Open Up, IPS!
Although I have my issues with the management of Indianapolis Public Schools, I have been trying to give them the benefit of the doubt this school year. However that was shot down this morning when I read at Tuesday’s budget hearing, board member Kelly Bentley was denied an itemized copy of the District’s 2010 $448 million budget.
According to the Star’s behind Closed Doors, board members were given a general overview of the budget, but not an itemized breakdown of expenditures. Bentley said as a board member she should know how funds are allocated, however IPS Superintendent Eugene White said he would not “waste the board’s time” by giving it a total budget to review. He said Bentley could make an appointment and come in and see the numbers.
No offense Dr. White, but the Board is made up of the duly elected representatives of the people and are entitled to review the budget line-by-line before they vote on it. And a a majority of the Board members (the budget passed 5-1) don’t have the political spine to demand such information, I will.
Below is a copy of my Freedom of Information request that I will be dropping off by your office Monday morning.
31 August 2009
Dr. Eugene White
Indianapolis Public Schools
JMF Center For Education Services
120 E. Walnut
Indianapolis, IN 46204Dear Dr. White:
Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3), I would like to obtain the following public records:
- A printed copy of the District’s $448 million budget adopted this past Tuesday by the board by a vote of 5-1.
- An electronic copy of the District’s $448 million budget adopted this past Tuesday by the board.
- Any and all Executive summaries of the budget, as well as a line-by-line breakdown of funds by character, department and school.
I understand that if I seek a copy of this record, there may be a copying fee. Please inform me of that cost prior to making the copy. I can be reached at 317-XXX-XXXX.
According to the statute, you have 24 hours to respond to this request. If you choose to deny the request, then you are required to respond in writing and state the statutory exception authorizing the withholding of all or part of the public record and the name and title or position of the person responsible for the denial.
Thank you for your assistance on this matter.
Respectfully Submitted,
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, Esq.
WXNT-AM
9245 N. Meridian, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317)816-4000
I get very suspicious when school districts aren’t willing to open up and provide full disclosure and individuals have to jump through hoops to get public information. It makes me think they’re hiding something. For example, it’s been rumored IPS hired an “Activity Director” at Broad Ripple High School for $85,000 at a time when teachers are getting laid off. A good look at the budget would put that to rest. Taxpayers could also find out how much they are paying to put gas in Dr. White’s car.
This attitude by Dr. White is the epitome of intellectual arrogance (which I of all people am a expert on) and a total disregard for the taxpayers. It’s amazing that someone would spend all legislative session crying poverty, but when asked to show their budget line-by-line, as my lovely grandmother would say, “they start acting funky and talking crazy.”
I am dropping off my request Monday morning after my radio show. I will let you know what happens. And if I get an electronic copy of the budget, I will make it available for you to inspect yourself.
