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Opinion editorials Handling of Pit Appeal Calls for a Time-Out |
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opinion editorialsThis editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by editorial page staff and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
APS Does Poorly on Communication Tests
It isn't just parents, or reporters, who have trouble prying information out of Albuquerque Public Schools. Even the district's own auditor has trouble getting the board and administration to cough up requested information. In a seven-page report the auditor also notes the district doesn't respond consistently to open records requests or keep meeting minutes and other policies and procedures current on its Web site.
While state law only requires that minutes be made available upon request, board president Marty Esquivel says it's likely a case of open government laws lagging behind technology. He did note inconsistencies in how APS handles records requests.
The APS communications department says as a result of the report changes will be made, minutes will be reported more quickly and a committee is working to make sure the site reflects current procedures. However, the department thinks some public records requests can be handled at the school level rather than through the public records custodian.
APS recently announced plans to spend $300,000 to renovate and staff its Web site to improve communication with the public. Apparently it's needed more than we thought, though the $180,000 for rebuilding the site alone seems excessive.
Now APS has to deliver on its promises — and in a timely fashion. Open and easy communication should not be the exception. And parents shouldn't have to write a letter to get a report about the booster club.
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