To the Editor:

When I ran for office, I argued for the need to have governmental transparency, accountability and good governance within the framework of the Parkland School District.

As citizens, we have the right to know exactly where our tax dollars are being spent and have a basic understanding of where the members stand on a governing body.

However, if debate is stifled and the members who do speak out are harassed for doing so, how can we have faith in our elected bodies to do what is right for the citizens who put them into office?

When the school board met for our committee meetings, only the Arts, Academics, Athletics and Finance and Policy Committee heard the proposal to replace a swimming score board at the high school.

The Building, Grounds, Transportation and Cafeteria Committees were left out of the loop.

So in total, three members, myself and Directors Lisa Roth, and Jay Rohatgi, didn’t get the necessary information to vote on the score board.

At the last board meeting, I spoke out for transparency and accountability within the framework of our local school district.

I should not have had to rely on the tactic of putting in a right-to-know request to be offered more detailed information regarding the cost break down, options for replacement, and timeline in relation to the purchase of the swimming score board.

Ultimately, the motion I put forward and, Director Jarrett Coleman, seconded to table to have further discussions on this topic, failed.

Unfortunately, I am now paying the price via retribution for speaking out for what you the taxpayers rightfully deserve, to be given proper information to understand how your local elected leaders come to a decision.

If good debate and conversations surrounding line items is disapproved of from the institution, this will ultimately lead to rubber stamping whatever the administration wants to achieve.

We are elected to serve you the taxpayers not the other way around.

While this situation is pertinent to Parkland, it is happening state wide. State Sen. Browne, R-16th, made it state law to hide information relating to the NIZ and to purposefully keep taxpayers out of the loop.

Please vote for candidates who plan on being transparent and be a voice for all your concerns.

Patrick H. Foose, M.Ed.

Parkland School District board member