The Columbus school board answers to no one.
Or so it seems.
When recently asked to appear before the body that appointed them — the Columbus City Council — the school board declined, on the advice of their attorney.
According to a just-released opinion from the attorney general”s office, the school board, though appointed by the City Council, is autonomous — as it should be — and so isn”t required, by law, to assemble itself at the will of the city.
However, the City Council, like the taxpayers it will affect, wanted answers about the school district”s budget. District officials had reported needing a 9-mill local tax increase to balance their budget. Monday, the school board finalized a budget, requesting a 2.9-mill increase that still will result in a shortfall when the fiscal year ends in June 2012.
While it may not be their legal obligation, it is, at minimum, a professional courtesy for the school board to respond to the City Council. The council — buffeted by the winds of public opinion, unlike the appointed school board — was responding to outcry from citizens who were bracing for a tax hike and wanted answers, very few of which were coming from district central office.
We”re reminded of the comparison between the making of laws and sausage. The same can be said of school budgets. The process is not a thing of beauty. Yet, with all the speculation flying about, the board should be accessible and forthright.
At the same time it refused to meet with the City Council, the school board held its own press conference, about the budget. It also made plans to meet with the board of trustees for the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link.
But when called to meet with the Columbus City Council about the budget — again, this is the board that appoints the school board — they refused.
Appointed though they may be, school board members still are public officials. Stewardship of taxpayer dollars is one of their most important responsibilities.
The city plays a major role in this, especially when taxes need to be raised. The City Council will be the ones to levy the taxes — and bear the brunt of taxpayer displeasure — to provide for the school district”s needs.
They, and we, ought to be able to have a discussion with the school board about what we”re paying for, and how much the bill is. And the school board should be open to that discussion.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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