| GOV. BOB RILEY: PRESS RELEASE March 04, 2009 “Unprecedented Level of Openness” Governor Riley’s Executive Order Lifts Veil on State Spending MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley’s continuing efforts to bring greater transparency to government spending moved forward with www.open.alabama.gov, a new website that puts the state’s checkbook online. Last month, Governor Riley issued an executive order creating by March 1 a publicly accessible website that details spending done by state government. The website, which offers an unprecedented level of detail about state government spending, went online February 27. On Wednesday, the Governor led a demonstration of the transparency tool. “The more transparency we have in government, then the more accountability we’ll have in government. This is a common sense idea that helps taxpayers keep track of how their money is being spent and where it’s going,” said Governor Riley. “This is an unprecedented level of openness for state government. All this information empowers taxpayers to become better watchdogs of their government.” The website includes much more than just the state’s checkbook. The site is a web portal to all types of information on state government. It includes not only the section on state spending, but also a list of all active statewide contracts and awarded bids, a database of all leases held by state departments, links to notices filed under the Alabama Open Meetings Act and campaign finance reports, and information on the Riley Administration’s SMART Governing initiative, which requires state agencies to link their budget requests to measurable objectives. It will become even easier for taxpayers to lift the veil on government spending by September 1, when the online state checkbook will be searchable. Open.alabama.gov is the latest move by Governor Riley to bring a greater level of transparency to state government. Governor Riley is the first governor to voluntarily disclose spending out of the Governor’s Contingency Fund and use of state aircraft. His administration implemented the SMART Governing reform, which requires each agency of state government to link its spending with measurable results that taxpayers can review online. The Governor is also pushing a comprehensive anti-corruption bill in the Legislature that includes provisions to require full disclosure of lobbyist spending on public servants and disclosure of financial transactions between lobbyists and public servants and members of their families. |
| Albertville City BOE - Check Register Alexander City Schls - Check Register Andalusia City Schls - Check Register Anniston City BOE - Check Register Arab City Schools - Check Register Athens City Schools - Check Register Attalla City BOE - Check Register Auburn City Schools - Check Register Autauga County Schls - (New site Apr.2010) Baldwin County PS - Check Register Barbour County BOE - Check Register Bessemer CS - Check Register Bibb County BOE - Check Register Birmingham City Schls - Check Register Blount County BOE - Check Register Boaz City Schools - Check Register Brewton City Schls - Check Register Bullock County BOE - Check Register Butler County Schls - Check Reg. (March 2010) |
| Calhoun County Schls - Check Register Chambers County BOE-Check Register Cherokee County BOE - Check Register Chilton County Schls - Check Register Choctaw County Schools - System Chk Reg. Clarke County BOE - Check Register Clay County BOE - Check Register Cleburne County Schls - Check Register Coffee County Schls - Check Register Colbert County BOE - Check Register Conecuh County BOE - Check Register Coosa County Schls - Check Register Covington County Schls - Check Register Crenshaw County Schls - Check Register Cullman City BOE - Check Register Cullman County BOE - Check Register Dale County BOE - Check Register Daleville City BOE - Check Register Dallas County Schools - Check Register Decatur City Schools - Check Register DeKalb County BOE - Check Register Demopolis City Schls - Check Register Dothan City Schools - Check Register |
In 2005, financial accountability presentations in Alabama -- as elsewhere
in the United States -- consisted largely of pie charts with percentages
and vaguely drawn financials. Taking a big step forward that year,
Bessemer CFO Willie Davis put his district's check register online, not
because he was told to but because it was the right thing to do, as part of
his overall push for transparency; look at the information available within
his department, here. Willie's check template (see copy below) was used
as a model for all Alabama schools, and he serves on the board of
directors of the Alabama Association of School Business Officials.
About that same time, having heard rumors about
widespread problems in the state's community college
in the United States -- consisted largely of pie charts with percentages
and vaguely drawn financials. Taking a big step forward that year,
Bessemer CFO Willie Davis put his district's check register online, not
because he was told to but because it was the right thing to do, as part of
his overall push for transparency; look at the information available within
his department, here. Willie's check template (see copy below) was used
as a model for all Alabama schools, and he serves on the board of
directors of the Alabama Association of School Business Officials.
About that same time, having heard rumors about
widespread problems in the state's community college
| From top: Bessemer's Greenwood Elementary was built in 1937 as a WPA project; Pullman railroad cars were formerly built in Bessemer-- the company became Wheelabrator- Frye then Waste Management, Inc., also MWKellogg then Kellogg, Brown & Root, then Halliburton. The Bessemer Urban Farm is a community project with the goal of increasing access to fresher food and exposing children to farming practices. Bottom, roller coaster at Alabama Adventure. |
| P E Y T O N W O L C O T T |
How we take back our children's education: one person, one question, one school at a time. |
| FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of education issues vital to a republic. We believe this constitutes a "fair use" of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C., Chapter 1, Section 107 which states: the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright," the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond "fair use" you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. |
| ATTENTION EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS: Every attempt possible has been made to verify all sources and information. In the event you feel an error has been made, please contact us immediately. Thank you. |
| Copyright 1999-2010 Peyton Wolcott |
| COMMITTED Argyle ISD (TX) - here Clear Creek ISD (TX) Dew ISD (TX) - here El Paso ISD (TX) Hondo ISD (TX) - here Ingram ISD (TX) - here La Marque ISD (TX) Martins Mill ISD (TX) Plainview ISD (TX) - here Pottsboro ISD (TX) - here Snyder ISD (TX) - here Southside ISD (TX) WHERE PARENTS, TAXPAYERS, TRUSTEES ARE ASKING: Chippewa Valley SD (MI) Lake Travis ISD (TX) LA USD (CA) New York CPS (NY) Omaha PS (NB) Rochester CS (MI) Santa Cruz CPS (AZ) Water Valley ISD (TX) ___________________________ |
| Heads up to grass- roots school reform activists: Be smart, be effective By Peyton Wolcott Updated 12.02.07 |
"Walk softly and carry a big stick." -- Teddy Roosevelt "Trust but verify." -- Ronald Reagan |
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. |
| A model for the nation: More about the San Antonio Triple Crown here How 3 major school districts in one city put their checks online . . . in 1 week! |
| H o w w e t a k e b a c k o u r c h i l d r e n ' s e d u c a t i o n: o n e p e r s o n , o n e q u e s t i o n , o n e s c h o o l a t a t i m e. |
| Read article here. |
| H O M E |
| ASKING YOUR DISTRICT |
| 1. Our public schools are a pure form of local government. You elect trustees to oversee your superintendent's running of the schools which are fueled by your taxes. Just because you may see clear problems including proof of illegality that does not mean your pointing these out will be welcomed by either your board or administrators with open arms. 2. Don't cold call on the board at the meeting -- call ahead, ask questions, learn what your trustees' and superintendents' concerns are. 3. Bring 50 copies of the flyer I've prepared for you (with your contact info). Please email me and I'll send you the link. 4. Correct & thorough prep saves time in the long run. 5. Everyone who has followed these steps exactly as outlined here has experienced 100% success; shortcuts lead to failure. |
| The most important thing about persuading your local school district to voluntarily post its check register online is the "persuasion" part. This means we remem- ber to approach them in a friendly way, with a smile rather than a stick. No demands, no strident letters to the editor. None of the folks who have tried shortcuts have succeeded. You can't email this in or demand it on your website. You can't talk to your friend the board president and assume anything will come of it. This is your opportunity to participate in your local political process. Here below is the short version; the longer more detailed version that points out most of the pitfalls and roadblocks is here. |
| Remember that Golden Rule we've heard about all of our lives? This is a good time to dust it off. When you approach your board, you're approach- ing individuals. If you go after them in an angry way, they will react as though you're calling their baby ugly and become defensive and turn your request down. Honor their humanity no matter how grumpy or sour they look or act. |
| Welcome to National HQ for the Grassroots School District Online Check Register Movement! Est. 10.01.06 |
| STATE DOE ONLINE Texas Education Agency MIDDLE EDU-LAYER CALIFORNIA Glenn County Ofc. of Ed. Placer County Office of Education MICHIGAN St. Clair County RESA HONORABLE MENTION ALASKA DOE - Checks over $1,000 CALIFORNIA San Gabriel USD - Checks over $500 MICHIGAN Intermediate School Districts PENNSYLVANIA Capital Area Intermediate Unit TEXAS Brackett ISD (checks over $500) |
This below is the short
version; if you're going to
do this, please read the
full information here; it's
your proven road map.
version; if you're going to
do this, please read the
full information here; it's
your proven road map.
| NOTE REGARDING ILLINOIS LAWSUIT As thrilled as I am about efforts by John Tillman and Adam Andrzejewski to bring greater transparency to Illinois public schools, I disagree with their December 2008 lawsuit against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on grounds of incompetency -- the same grounds as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's suit -- as the success of such a suit would have paved the way for Banana Republic-type takeovers of elected officials. Fortunately, the Illinois Supreme Court has refused to hear this case. |
| N O T E S |
| Walk softly, and carry a big stick. --Teddy Roosevelt |
| Friends, here's our great nation's most complete list of school districts (CONTINUED FROM TOP) and because I am still the only person in the 50 states actively searching the U.S. for you, information -- looking for more districts and working with superintendents, trustees, moms, dads and taxpayers -- and coaching folks through the check register process, what you see on these pages is the most current and comprehensive information in our great nation. Other folks -- websites, organizations, foundations, etc. -- may copy my information from time to time, but because they are copying rather than originating there is always lag time involved. Please verify this for yourself by backdating websites with a tool such as http://web.archive.org With one exception (see Illinois above and right) the information you find on the only other compilations appear to be old copies of my information, second- and third-hand generations of it, borrowed and outdated data all. American parents and taxpayers deserve current information. So often, my work with individuals starts with having to undo the strident and demanding approach many of our wonderful friends in conservative think tanks have mistakenly advocated. Such an approach doesn't sell cars or guacamole or anything in between; it also doesn't work with our public schools. While such an approach may appease angry millionaire funders, it has never persuaded a single public school administrator to post -- and such an approach forgets that if our schools are a mess it's our own fault. Criticizing our public schools is like criticizing our arms and legs. They're our appendages. Local public school systems are as much a form of local politics as town hall and the mayor's office, and it's up to us to clean them up. Let's get to work, America! |
NOTE: For the Good of
Illinois lists dollars provided
by schools; invariably these
are the lower budget
forecast numbers rather
than the dollars which
actually come in and are
spent. Adam's list also
includes colleges.
FURTHER NOTE: This is not
an endorsement of Adam
and John's lawsuit against
Illinois Governor Rod
Blagojevich. Frustrated as
Illinois residents must be
with the widespread
corruption in their state,
lawsuits such as theirs and
AG Lisa Madigan's would
have paved the way for
Banana Republic-type
takeovers of elected
officials' offices. It is always
good to be mindful of
unintended consequences
for even our noblest
impulses.
Illinois lists dollars provided
by schools; invariably these
are the lower budget
forecast numbers rather
than the dollars which
actually come in and are
spent. Adam's list also
includes colleges.
FURTHER NOTE: This is not
an endorsement of Adam
and John's lawsuit against
Illinois Governor Rod
Blagojevich. Frustrated as
Illinois residents must be
with the widespread
corruption in their state,
lawsuits such as theirs and
AG Lisa Madigan's would
have paved the way for
Banana Republic-type
takeovers of elected
officials' offices. It is always
good to be mindful of
unintended consequences
for even our noblest
impulses.
| So often when folks get in touch with me although they say they want help in bringing transparency and accountability to their schools, it takes them a while to accept that what works best is not pure rationality or demands or petition drives but the friendly heart-to-heart approach. How refreshing it's been with Adam Andrzejewski (above left), who contacted me earlier this year about his petition drive to impel Illinois school districts to put their check registers online. After a few phone chats and emails with Adam and John Tillman (above right) of the Illinois Public Policy Institute they quickly changed their strategy and Adam began conducting a series of intimate talks and coffees with the results you see on the roster above. In February 2008 only four Illinois school districts were posting their check registers online; after Adam changed strategies, already there are 35 more, plus a couple of colleges. It was my pleasure to give him free use of the "School District Honor Roll" appellation. |
| ILLINOIS |
| WHAT'S INCLUDED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT CHECK REGISTERS AND WHAT ISN'T We do not ask school districts to post payroll or HIPAA- related dollars; districts can easily post their annual payroll/stipend schedules after the budget is firmed up each summer. |
PHOTO CREDITS &
LINKS TO CHECK
REGISTERS:
I am adding photo
credits as I locate
them; for now, please
right click on any image
above that interests
you. Some photos are
themselves live links. I
am adding check
register links all the
time; please remember
that because this is
fluid information, not
static, things change
constantly as districts
redesign their
websites and the
locations where they're
posting their checks.
LINKS TO CHECK
REGISTERS:
I am adding photo
credits as I locate
them; for now, please
right click on any image
above that interests
you. Some photos are
themselves live links. I
am adding check
register links all the
time; please remember
that because this is
fluid information, not
static, things change
constantly as districts
redesign their
websites and the
locations where they're
posting their checks.
| The name of Adam's group is "For the Good of Illinois." More here. |
Think your project through. What might be its unintended consequences? |
COPYRIGHT
NOTICE
When borrowing,
copying, citing
from this roster
and site please
remember to
attribute
PeytonWolcott.com
.No one else --
governmental or
public policy
groups or think
tanks or persons
-- is compiling a
comprehensive
national roster.
NOTICE
When borrowing,
copying, citing
from this roster
and site please
remember to
attribute
PeytonWolcott.com
.No one else --
governmental or
public policy
groups or think
tanks or persons
-- is compiling a
comprehensive
national roster.
| IDAHO: Idaho State Parks & Recreation |
| Dunn noted that "hoosier" was frequently used in many parts of the South in the 19th century for woodsmen or rough hill people. He traced the word back to "hoozer," in the Cumberland dialect of England. This derives from the Anglo-Saxon word "hoo" meaning high or hill. In the Cumberland dialect, the world "hoozer" meant anything unusually large, presumably like a hill. It is not hard to see how this word was attached to a hill dweller or highlander. Immigrants from Cumberland, England, settled in the southern mountains (Cumberland Mountains, Cumberland River, Cumberland Gap, etc.). Their descendents brought the name with them when they settled in the hills of southern Indiana. |
| INDIANA |
| Most likely origins of the nickname "Hoosier" can be attributed to research by Jacob Piatt Dunn, Jr., Indiana historian and long-time Indiana Historical Society secretary: |
| More information about Indiana's history including possibilities from folklore for the origins of "Hoosier" from the Indiana Historical Society. |
| Richmond High School |
| PHOTO CREDITS |
| Land Between the Lakes (above) By Niki Conolly www.pbase.com/esme12/ima ge/62209061 State Penitentiary By Adam Maroney flickr.com/photos/7388762@ N03/1497098101 |
| KENTUCKY: Land Between the Lakes By Barry K. Lovvorn www.lovvornphoto.com |
| The "Hoosier" State |
| I'm researching and adding links all the time; please check back. |
| TO PUT THE STATES' ROSTERS INTO PERSPECTIVE: California officially has 1,050 school districts (2007-08); about 1,036 per the California DOE's Data & Statistics department as of January 7, 2009. Texas has 1,031 school districts as of that same date. Illinois has 879 districts |
| U.S. SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH CHECK REGISTERS ONLINE: Alabama |
| There are fewer than 18,000 residents in all of Pike County. The courthouse exterior (above) hasn't changed much since it was photographed in 1999 by Calvin Beale; more about this remarkable demographer here: www.ers.usda.gov/Amberwaves/ Feb03/Profiles/Beale.htm |
| GEORGIA: That's the interior of the Zebulon Plant at far right above. After a series of layoffs and the resignation of the last Hightower family heir, the company was cannibalized and the individual plants sold off. More Pike County/ Thomaston Mills history here: http://home.alltel.net/tuarch/tmhist ory.htm |
| The county seat, Zebulon, was named after Brig. General Zebulon Montgomery Pike, the soldier and explorer who discovered Pike's Peak as part of his exploration of the Louisiana Purchase; his father fought with George Washington in the Revolutionary War. More about Zebulon Pike here: www.travelsos.net/colorado-jour neyer/index.cfm?var_file=heritag e-history/zebulon-pike.htm |
* PW Note: I'm asking
superintendent Alan Leis
about making Naperville's
online check register
available for public viewing;
don't see any surprises
which might make the
district shy.
superintendent Alan Leis
about making Naperville's
online check register
available for public viewing;
don't see any surprises
which might make the
district shy.
ALABAMA (132) (100%) - Hats off to Alabama, where all
school districts are either already posting their check registers
online now or are actively in the process! Click on the links below
and look for "departments" then for business or finance -- then "finance
statements" or "accountability reports":
school districts are either already posting their check registers
online now or are actively in the process! Click on the links below
and look for "departments" then for business or finance -- then "finance
statements" or "accountability reports":
| Scenes of natural beauty in Bibb County, Alabama. More here. |
| Talladega City Schools - Check Register Talladega County BOE - Check Register (March 2010) Tallapoosa BOE - Check Register Tallassee City Schools - Check Register Tarrant City Schools - Check Register Thomasville Schools - Check Register Troy City Schools - Check Register (March 2010) Trussville City Schools - Board Report Tuscaloosa City Schools - Check Register Tuscaloosa County Schools - Check Register Tuscumbia City Schools - A/P Check Register |
| Randolph County Schls - Check Register (March 2010) Roanoke CS - Check Register Russell County Schools - Check Register Russellville City Schools - Check Register |
| Saint Clair County BOE - Check Register Saraland City Schools - Check Register Scottsboro City Schools - Check Register Selma City Schools - Check Register Sheffield City Schools - Check Register (March 2010) Shelby County BOE - Check Register Sumter County BOE - Check Register Sylacauga City Schools - Check Register (March 2010) |
The ability to review a local district’s checkbook registers and other financial data online allows parents and citizens of Alabama to be aware of the expenditure of public dollars, which builds confidence in the way our schools budget and spend taxpayers’ dollars. -- Joseph B. Morton, Ph.D. |
Despite the consortium of which was a part having
been dissolved, even the C.I.T.Y. Skills Training
Program's check register is online; view it here.
been dissolved, even the C.I.T.Y. Skills Training
Program's check register is online; view it here.
| ENTIRE SBOE WAS SUPPORTIVE, INCLUDING PIX OF RANDY McKINNEY, STEPHANIE BELL AND BETTY PETERS. THE BEGINNING OF TRANSPARENCY IN AL: 1. BESSEMER 2. BETTY & STEPHANIE ASKED FOR A LIST OF CONTRACTS FOR 2YEAR COLLEGES -- S AT A TIME WHEN THE THEN-CHANCELLOR WAS EXPERIENCING SOME PROBLEMS; BETTY PETERS BROUGHT IT UP (LINK TO DOTHAN EAGLE ARTICLE) (JIM COOK) THEN RANDY MENTIONED AT SBOE WORKSHOP, AND STEPHANIE BELL ENDORSED. 3. AT SOME POINT GOV. RILEY ENDORSED TRANSPARENCY. ROY JOHNSON STARTS HIS SENTENCE ON FEB. 24. DON'T MENTION: BP SIGNED ETHICS COMM. REPORT. |
| Jackson County SD - Check Register Jacksonville City BOE - Check Register Jasper City Schls - Monthly Acc'ability Check Reg. Jefferson County BOE - Check Register |
| Pell City Schools - Check Register Perry County Schools - Check Reg.(March 2010) Phenix City BOE - Check Register |
| Vestavia Hills City BOE - Check Register Walker County Schools - Public Info - Financial Statements Washington County Schools - Accountability A/P Report Wilcox County Schools - Check Register Winfield City BOE - Check Register Winston County BOE - Check Register |
| WHERE TO FIND ALABAMA SCHOOL DISTRICT CHECK REGISTERS & WHAT THEY'RE CALLED: The most important thing to keep in mind is that unlike many other states where districts post checks as part of board agendas, in Alabama they're part of the business or finance department; look for "finance statements" or "accountability reports." They might be listed under "budget information" and look something like this: • Exhibit F-I-A • Exhibit F-II-A - Financial Summary • Exhibit F-III-A • Exhibit F-III-B • Exhibit F-III-C • Check Register |
| Macon County SD - Check Register Madison City BOE - Check Register Madison County BOE - Check Register Marengo County SD - Check Register Marion County BOE - Check Register Marshall County Schools - Check Register Midfield City Schl District - Check Register Mobile County PS - Search - Check Register Monroe County PS - Monthly A/P Register Montgomery CPS - Check Register Morgan County Schools - Check Register Mountain Brook City Schls - Check Reg. Muscle Shoals BOE - Check Register |
| Lamar County BOE - Check Register Lanett City BOE - Check Register Lauderdale County BOE - Check Register Lawrence County BOE - Check Register Lee County BOE - Check Register Leeds City Schools - Check Register Limestone Schls - Check Register (March 2010) Linden City BOE - Check Register Lowndes County BOE - Check Register |
| Gadsden City Schools - Check Register Geneva City Schools - Check Register Geneva County Schls - Check Register Greene County BOE - Check Register Guntersville City Schls - Check Register Hale County BOE - Check Register Haleyville City Schools - Check Register Hartselle City Schools - Check Register Henry County BOE - Check Register Homewood City BOE - Check Register Hoover City Schools - Check Register Houston County BOE - Check Register Huntsville City Schools - Check Register |
| Bessemer CFO Willie Davis |
| IS YOUR DISTRICT ONLINE? CHECK HERE: Alaska-Louisiana Maine - Tennessee Texas Texas (spending data) Utah-Wyoming |
| Governor Bob Riley (L), Superintendent of Education Joe Morton |
| Left, Alabama State Board of Education members Betty Peters, Stephanie Bell & Randy McKinney |
| Former chancellor Roy Johnson; mug shot at right; below, home in Opelika |
system under their jurisdiction, two veteran conservative
Alabama State Board of Education members, Betty Peters
and Stephanie Bell, asked to see the system's contracts,
which Chancellor Roy Johnson finally produced several
months later; you may recognize his name as he was
subsequently fired and tried along with 14 others, including a
state representative; the case resulted in charges, guilty pleas or
convictions of all 15 on charges which included nepotism,
money laundering, bribery, witness tampering, false testimony
Alabama State Board of Education members, Betty Peters
and Stephanie Bell, asked to see the system's contracts,
which Chancellor Roy Johnson finally produced several
months later; you may recognize his name as he was
subsequently fired and tried along with 14 others, including a
state representative; the case resulted in charges, guilty pleas or
convictions of all 15 on charges which included nepotism,
money laundering, bribery, witness tampering, false testimony
councilman John "Computer Help for Kids" Katopodis who as it turned
out had some cronies of his own, notably Ryan Idol; John was found
guilty in September 2009 of 97 counts of mail and wire fraud, and Larry
was found guilty of 60 counts the following month. According to the
New York Times, "A jury took less than two hours to determine that as
president of the Jefferson County Commission, Mr. Langford accepted
more than $230,000 in cash, expensive clothing and jewelry in exchange
for steering $7.1 million in county bond business to a prominent
investment banker. The bonds and debt restructuring destabilized the
finances of the county, which includes Birmingham, and its sewer
system, helping to push the county to the brink of bankruptcy last year."
Some good can come from even the worst of disasters; in this
case, the many widespread troubles helped create an environment ripe for
transparency. But unlike other states in the same fix where corruption
continues unchecked, Alabama was blessed with the right combination of
folks in the right places prepared to throw a good dose of sunlight at it.
Betty Peters continued to suggest at SBOE meetings that Alabama
public schools put their check registers online, an idea that found merit
first with fellow members Stephanie Bell and SBOE vice president Randy
McKinney, then with the entire board plus Joe Morton, their state
superintendent. At local school districts parents like Trish Crain in
Hoover sought information about their schools.
Republican Governor Bob Riley expanded on the idea by signing
Executive Order 46 on February 11, 2009 requiring all Alabama state
governmental entities to post their check registers online. And now the
SBOE has approved a requirement that all K-12 school districts post their
check registers on their websites; according to a spokesman for
Governor Riley, "this is included in Administrative code, which has the
force of law." More here at the Alabama Department of Education re the
School Fiscal Accountability Act (2006-196).
out had some cronies of his own, notably Ryan Idol; John was found
guilty in September 2009 of 97 counts of mail and wire fraud, and Larry
was found guilty of 60 counts the following month. According to the
New York Times, "A jury took less than two hours to determine that as
president of the Jefferson County Commission, Mr. Langford accepted
more than $230,000 in cash, expensive clothing and jewelry in exchange
for steering $7.1 million in county bond business to a prominent
investment banker. The bonds and debt restructuring destabilized the
finances of the county, which includes Birmingham, and its sewer
system, helping to push the county to the brink of bankruptcy last year."
Some good can come from even the worst of disasters; in this
case, the many widespread troubles helped create an environment ripe for
transparency. But unlike other states in the same fix where corruption
continues unchecked, Alabama was blessed with the right combination of
folks in the right places prepared to throw a good dose of sunlight at it.
Betty Peters continued to suggest at SBOE meetings that Alabama
public schools put their check registers online, an idea that found merit
first with fellow members Stephanie Bell and SBOE vice president Randy
McKinney, then with the entire board plus Joe Morton, their state
superintendent. At local school districts parents like Trish Crain in
Hoover sought information about their schools.
Republican Governor Bob Riley expanded on the idea by signing
Executive Order 46 on February 11, 2009 requiring all Alabama state
governmental entities to post their check registers online. And now the
SBOE has approved a requirement that all K-12 school districts post their
check registers on their websites; according to a spokesman for
Governor Riley, "this is included in Administrative code, which has the
force of law." More here at the Alabama Department of Education re the
School Fiscal Accountability Act (2006-196).
| Former B'ham mayor Larry Langford |
| 1John Katopodis (top) & Ryan Idol |
| Clay County Courthouse |
his other best practices include getting rid of
all district credit cards but one, tightening
internal controls via improved paper trails for
purchases, and an open-door policy with the
community.
all district credit cards but one, tightening
internal controls via improved paper trails for
purchases, and an open-door policy with the
community.
Pickens County BOE - Check Register
Piedmont City SD - Check Register
Pike County BOE - Check Register
Piedmont City SD - Check Register
Pike County BOE - Check Register
| Muscle Shoals |
Oneonta City Schools - Check Register
Opelika City BOE - Check Register
Opp City BOE - Check Register
Oxford City Schools - Check Register
Ozark City Schls - Check Reg. (March 2010)
Opelika City BOE - Check Register
Opp City BOE - Check Register
Oxford City Schools - Check Register
Ozark City Schls - Check Reg. (March 2010)
| Eufala plantation, Barbour County |
| Left, Hoover's Berry Middle School; right, Trish Crain. |
| Gov. Bob Riley signing Executive Order 46 on Feb. 11, 2009 |
| Friends, are you seeking transparency in your local public schools? Good for you! Now, let's use that energy as productively as possible with an approach that generates genuine long-term change in our schools. Be sure to take a smile and the Golden Rule with you when you go. Proven successful field-tested strategies here. |
| STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION VICE PRESIDENT RANDY McKINNEY February 2010 Transparency is a critical component for honest government. When citizens can see where their tax dollars are actually being spent, they will either be pleased with what they observe or it could become a major impetus for positive change. I believe in the Ronald Reagan adage, "Trust but verify". A worthy goal in education (and all of government) is for "every dollar in" and "every dollar out" of every financial account to be easily reviewable online by anyone at anytime without any barriers to access. |
| Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery |
| Alabama State Board of Education (2010) |
Elba City BOE - Check Register
Elmore County BOE - Check Register
Enterprise City Schools - A/P Registers
Escambia County BOE - Check Register
Etowah County BOE - Check Register
Eufaula City Schools - Check Register
Elmore County BOE - Check Register
Enterprise City Schools - A/P Registers
Escambia County BOE - Check Register
Etowah County BOE - Check Register
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his most recent prison sentence start date (February 24, 2010) has come
and gone and he is still a free man, testifying as the larger case continues.
and gone and he is still a free man, testifying as the larger case continues.
In Alabama, when it rains, it pours. Alongside the Roy
Johnson investigation another was occurring, in Birmingham, of Mayor
Larry Langford and assorted cronies including former B'ham city
Johnson investigation another was occurring, in Birmingham, of Mayor
Larry Langford and assorted cronies including former B'ham city
| Transparency has become so much the ta-da concept du jour that it's easy when hearing about new projects to assume they will be delayed, derailed or diluted. Not so in Alabama. When Gov. Riley told his state that he was going to open up the state's books and put spending online, he really meant it. Here's his 2006 (Q1) state plane flight log, reaction to state salaries going online, here's More here re the School Fiscal Accountability Act (2006-196) guidelines for schools. |
Beyond pie charts: How transparency came to Alabama schools
| Pie chart (L) and Excel check register |
and corruption. The felony counts to which Roy
pleaded guilty involved six separate conspiracies to
send business to companies that provided money,
home furnishings and jobs for his two children and
their spouses. In early February 2010 a federal
judge ordered Roy -- whose top annual salary in the
Alabama ed job was $257,861 -- to forfeit $18.2
million in cash plus his $1.3 million home in Opelika,
pleaded guilty involved six separate conspiracies to
send business to companies that provided money,
home furnishings and jobs for his two children and
their spouses. In early February 2010 a federal
judge ordered Roy -- whose top annual salary in the
Alabama ed job was $257,861 -- to forfeit $18.2
million in cash plus his $1.3 million home in Opelika,
| Alabama beach |
| See page 16 here for more information. |
