Sunshine Review - Recent changes [en]

Morgantown, West Virginia

2012-05-17T02:41:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:41, 17 May 2012
Line 135:		Line 135:
	\|}		\|}

		+	==Lobbying==
		+	{{main\|West Virginia taxpayer-funded lobbying}}
		+
		+	There is no information on lobbying available or accessible for Morgantown, West Virginia.
		+
		+
		+	==Taxes==
		+
		+	{\| class=wikitable
		+	\|+ width=300px text-align=left \| Taxes and Revenues for Morgantown, WV, 2011-12 <ref name = finance />
		+	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Description'''
		+	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''2007-08'''
		+	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''2008-09'''
		+	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''2009-10'''
		+	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''2010-11'''
		+	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''2011-12'''
		+	\|-
		+	\| TAXES\|\|$18,873,214.00\|\|$18,317,113.00\|\|$17,440,877.00\|\|$17,374,000.00\|\|$18,025,000.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| CHARGES FOR SERVICES\|\|$2,337,250.00\|\|$2,378,442.00\|\|$2,329,375.00\|\|$2,336,700.00\|\|$2,341,600.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| FINES AND FORFEITURES\|\|$697,443.00\|\|$615,411.00\|\|$639,410.00\|\|$600,000.00\|\|$620,000.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| BALANCE 7/1\|\|$1,572,008.00\|\|$2,316,477.00\|\|$1,476,687.00\|\|$823,543.00\|\|$600,000.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| INTERGOVERNMENTAL\|\|$214,305.00\|\|$270,730.00\|\|$271,927.00\|\|$315,225.00\|\|$425,000.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| LICENSES AND PERMITS\|\|$334,618.00\|\|$348,738.00\|\|$310,794.00\|\|$340,960.00\|\|$324,900.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| MISCELLANEOUS\|\|$501,721.00\|\|$368,846.00\|\|$289,888.00\|\|$317,810.00\|\|$302,135.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| OTHER FINANCIAL SOURCES\|\|$8,000.00\|\|$12,000.00\|\|$19,800.00\|\|$12,000.00\|\|$262,000.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| INTERFUND CHARGES\|\|$97,482.00\|\|$103,148.00\|\|$99,720.00\|\|$125,700.00\|\|$123,200.00
		+	\|-
		+	\| '''TOTAL REVENUE'''\|\|'''$24,636,041.00'''\|\|'''$24,730,905.00'''\|\|'''$22,878,478.00'''\|\|'''$22,245,938.00'''\|\|'''$23,023,835.00'''
		+	\|}

	==References==		==References==

Garfield School District, Washington

2012-05-17T01:43:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:43, 17 May 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{School district transparency checklist \|		{{School district transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating0~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating3}} \|
-	Taxes = - \|	+	Taxes = {{no}} \|
-	Budget = - \|	+	Budget = {{no}} \|
-	Meetings = - \|	+	Meetings = {{yes}} \|
-	Elected Officials = - \|	+	Elected Officials = {{partial}} \|
-	Administrative Officials = - \|	+	Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|
-	Contracts = ~~- \|~~	+	Contracts = {{no}} \|
-	~~Lobbying = -~~ \|	+	Audits = {{no}} \|
-	Audits = - \|	+	Public records = {{no}} \|
-	Public records = - \|	+	Academic performance = {{yes}} \|
-	Academic performance = - \|	+	Background checks = {{no}} \|
-	Background checks = - \|	+
	}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Garfield School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].		}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Garfield School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].

	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''		: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''
		+	Last rated on May 16, 2012.

	===The good===		===The good===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Administrative Officials
		+	** Staff members are listed with contact information.<ref>[http://www.garpal.wednet.edu/domain/8 Staff]</reF>
		+	* Elected Officials
		+	** School board members are listed.<Ref>[http://www.garpal.wednet.edu/domain/4 School Board]</ref>
		+	* Meetings
		+	** Meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes are posted.<Ref>[http://www.garpal.wednet.edu/domain/4 Meetings]</ref>
		+	* Academics
		+	** Academic performance is included in the yearly performance reports.<reF>[http://www.garpal.wednet.edu/domain/7 Performance Reports]</ref>

	===The bad===		===The bad===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Budget
		+	** Budgets are not available.
		+	* Elected Officials
		+	** Contact information is not posted.
		+	* Audits
		+	** Audits are not provided.
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Vendor contracts, bids, and collective bargaining agreements are not provided.
		+	* Public Records
		+	** Public records information and request form not available.
		+	* Taxes
		+	** Tax information is not posted.
		+	* Background Checks
		+	** Background check policy is not provided.

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{wikipedia entry}}		{{wikipedia entry}}
-		+	* [http://www.garpal.wednet.edu/site/default.aspx?PageID=1 Garfield School District website]

	==References==		==References==
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	[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]		[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]
	[[category:Washington school districts]]		[[category:Washington school districts]]
-
-
-
-
-	~~{{TOCnestright}}~~
-	~~'''Garfield''' is a school district in the [[United States\|U.S.]] state of [[Washington]]~~
-
-	~~{{Washington school districts}}~~
-	~~{{Washington}}~~
-	~~[[Category:Starter class Washington school districts]]~~
-	~~[[Category:Washington school districts]]~~

Freeman School District, Washington

2012-05-17T01:01:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:01, 17 May 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{School district transparency checklist \|		{{School district transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating0~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating3}} \|
-	Taxes = - \|	+	Taxes = {{no}} \|
-	Budget = - \|	+	Budget = {{no}} \|
-	Meetings = - \|	+	Meetings = {{yes}} \|
-	Elected Officials = - \|	+	Elected Officials = {{yes}} \|
-	Administrative Officials = - \|	+	Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|
-	Contracts = ~~- \|~~	+	Contracts = {{no}} \|
-	~~Lobbying = -~~ \|	+	Audits = {{no}} \|
-	Audits = - \|	+	Public records = {{no}} \|
-	Public records = - \|	+	Academic performance = {{no}} \|
-	Academic performance = - \|	+	Background checks = {{no}} \|
-	Background checks = - \|	+
	}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Freeman School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].		}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Freeman School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].

	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''		: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''
		+	Last rated on May 16, 2012.

-	===The good===	+	===The good===
-	* ~~none posted yet~~	+	* Administrative Officials
		+	** Officials are listed with contact information.<Ref>[http://www.freemansd.org/domain/14 District Staff]</ref>
		+	* Elected Officials
		+	** Board of Directors are listed with contact information.<ref>[http://www.freemansd.org/domain/15 Board]</ref>
		+	* Meetings
		+	** Meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes are available.<ref>[http://www.freemansd.org/domain/15 Meetings]</ref>

	===The bad===		===The bad===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Budget
		+	** Budgets are not posted.
		+	* Audits
		+	** Audits are not provided.
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Vendor contracts, bids, and collective bargaining are not provided.
		+	* Public Records
		+	** Public records information and request form not available.
		+	* Taxes
		+	** Tax information not posted.
		+	* Academics
		+	** Academic performance is not noted.
		+	* Background Checks
		+	** Background check policy is not available.

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{wikipedia entry}}		{{wikipedia entry}}
-		+	* [http://www.freemansd.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1 Freeman School District website]

	==References==		==References==
Line 33:		Line 51:
	[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]		[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]
	[[category:Washington school districts]]		[[category:Washington school districts]]
-
-
-
-
-	~~{{TOCnestright}}~~
-	~~'''Freeman''' is a school district in the [[United States\|U.S.]] state of [[Washington]]~~
-
-	~~{{Washington school districts}}~~
-	~~{{Washington}}~~
-	~~[[Category:Starter class Washington school districts]]~~
-	~~[[Category:Washington school districts]]~~

Franklin Pierce School District, Washington

2012-05-17T00:50:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 17 May 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{School district transparency checklist \|		{{School district transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating0~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating1}} \|
-	Taxes = - \|	+	Taxes = {{no}} \|
-	Budget = - \|	+	Budget = {{partial}} \|
-	Meetings = - \|	+	Meetings = {{partial}} \|
-	Elected Officials = - \|	+	Elected Officials = {{partial}} \|
-	Administrative Officials = - \|	+	Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|
-	Contracts = ~~- \|~~	+	Contracts = {{partial}} \|
-	~~Lobbying = -~~ \|	+	Audits = {{no}} \|
-	Audits = - \|	+	Public records = {{no}} \|
-	Public records = - \|	+	Academic performance = {{no}} \|
-	Academic performance = - \|	+	Background checks = {{no}} \|
-	Background checks = - \|	+
	}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Franklin Pierce School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].		}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Franklin Pierce School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].

	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''		: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''
		+	Last rated on May 16, 2012.

	===The good===		===The good===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Budget
		+	** FY 2010 budget is posted.<Ref>[http://fpschools.org/Section.aspx?SectionID=5&ContentID=915 2010 Budget]</ref>
		+	* Administrative Officials
		+	** Officials are listed with contact information.<Ref>[http://fpschools.org/Section.aspx?SectionID=44&ContentID=0 Officials]</ref>
		+	* Elected Officials
		+	** Board members are listed.<ReF>[http://fpschools.org/Section.aspx?SectionID=39&ContentID=273 Board]</ref>
		+	* Meetings
		+	** Meeting schedule and minutes are posted.<reF>[http://fpschools.org/Section.aspx?SectionID=39&ContentID=570 Meetings]</ref>
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Collective bargaining agreements are posted.<Ref>[http://fpschools.org/Section.aspx?SectionID=9&ContentID=65 CBA]</ref>

	===The bad===		===The bad===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Meetings
		+	** Agendas are not provided.
		+	* Elected Officials
		+	** No contact information provided.
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Vendor contracts and bids are not posted.
		+	* Budget
		+	** Current budget is not available.
		+	* Audits
		+	** Audits are not posted.
		+	* Public Records
		+	** Information and request form not published.
		+	* Taxes
		+	** Tax information is not provided.
		+	* Academics
		+	** Academic performance is not noted.
		+	* Background Checks
		+	** Background check policy is not posted.

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{wikipedia entry}}		{{wikipedia entry}}
-		+	* [http://fpschools.org/ Franklin Pierce School District website]

	==References==		==References==
Line 33:		Line 59:
	[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]		[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]
	[[category:Washington school districts]]		[[category:Washington school districts]]
-
-
-
-
-	~~{{TOCnestright}}~~
-	~~'''Franklin Pierce''' is a school district in the [[United States\|U.S.]] state of [[Washington]]~~
-
-	~~{{Washington school districts}}~~
-	~~{{Washington}}~~
-	~~[[Category:Starter class Washington school districts]]~~
-	~~[[Category:Washington school districts]]~~

Finley School District, Washington

2012-05-17T00:24:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:24, 17 May 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{School district transparency checklist \|		{{School district transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating0~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating5}} \|
-	Taxes = - \|	+	Taxes = {{yes}} \|
-	Budget = - \|	+	Budget = {{no}} \|
-	Meetings = - \|	+	Meetings = {{yes}} \|
-	Elected Officials = - \|	+	Elected Officials = {{yes}} \|
-	Administrative Officials = - \|	+	Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|
-	Contracts = ~~- \|~~	+	Contracts = {{partial}} \|
-	~~Lobbying = -~~ \|	+	Audits = {{no}} \|
-	Audits = - \|	+	Public records = {{no}} \|
-	Public records = - \|	+	Academic performance = {{yes}} \|
-	Academic performance = - \|	+	Background checks = {{no}} \|
-	Background checks = - \|	+
	}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Finley School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].		}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Finley School District''' is a [[Washington school districts\|school district]] in [[Washington]].

	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''		: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Washington school district websites]]''
		+	Last rated on May 16, 2012.

	===The good===		===The good===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Administrative Officials
		+	** Officials are listed with contact information.<Ref>[http://www.finleysd.org/staff-directory Staff Directory]</ref>
		+	* Elected Officials
		+	** School Board members are listed with contact information.<ref>[http://www.finleysd.org/district-info/school-board School Board]</ref>
		+	* Meetings
		+	** Meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes are available.<Ref>[http://www.finleysd.org/district-info/school-board Meetings]</ref>
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Collective bargaining agreements are posted.<reF>[http://www.finleysd.org/contracts Contracts]</ref>
		+	* Taxes
		+	** Tax levy information is posted.<Ref>[http://www.finleysd.org/district-info/levy Tax Levy]</ref>
		+	* Academics
		+	** Link provided to academic report card on home page.

	===The bad===		===The bad===
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	* Audits
		+	** Audits are not posted.
		+	* Public Records
		+	** Public records information and request form not available.
		+	* Background Checks
		+	** Background check policy is not noted.
		+	* Budget
		+	** Budgets are not posted.
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Vendor contracts and bids are not available.

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{wikipedia entry}}		{{wikipedia entry}}
-		+	* [http://www.finleysd.org/ Finley School District website]

	==References==		==References==
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	[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]		[[category:starter class Washington school districts]]
	[[category:Washington school districts]]		[[category:Washington school districts]]
-
-
-
-
-	~~{{TOCnestright}}~~
-	~~'''Finley''' is a school district in the [[United States\|U.S.]] state of [[Washington]]~~
-
-	~~{{Washington school districts}}~~
-	~~{{Washington}}~~
-	~~[[Category:Starter class Washington school districts]]~~
-	~~[[Category:Washington school districts]]~~

San Joaquin County, California

2012-05-17T00:04:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:04, 17 May 2012
Line 2:		Line 2:

	{{County transparency checklist \|		{{County transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating6~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating8}} \|
	Budget = {{Yes}} \|		Budget = {{Yes}} \|
	Meetings = {{Yes}} \|		Meetings = {{Yes}} \|
	Elected Officials = {{Yes}} \|		Elected Officials = {{Yes}} \|
	Administrative Officials = {{Yes}} \|		Administrative Officials = {{Yes}} \|
-	Building permits and zoning = {{no}}\|	+	Building permits and zoning = {{yes}}\|
	Audits = {{Yes}}\|		Audits = {{Yes}}\|
-	Contracts = {{~~Yes~~}} \|	+	Contracts = {{partial}} \|
-	Lobbying = {{no}} \|	+	Lobbying = {{partial}} \|
-	Public records = {{no}} \|	+	Public records = {{yes}} \|
-	Local taxes = {{no}} \|	+	Local taxes = {{yes}} \|
	}}		}}
	'''San Joaquin County''' is one of [[California counties\|58 counties]] in [[California]].		'''San Joaquin County''' is one of [[California counties\|58 counties]] in [[California]].
Line 18:		Line 18:
	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	:: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of California county websites]]''		:: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of California county websites]]''
		+	Last rated on May 16, 2012.

	===The good===		===The good===
-		+	* Budget
-	*The names and contact information for all board of supervisor members is available.<ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/board/ Board]</ref>	+	** Current and past budgets are posted.<reF>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/cao/county_budget.aspx Budgets]</reF>
-		+	* Administrative Officials
-	*~~The current budget is published~~.<ref>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/~~cao~~/~~budget_cover_page~~.~~htm Budget~~]</ref>	+	** Administrative officials are listed with contact information.<ReF>[http://www.sjgov.org/dynamic.aspx?id=1274 Departments]</reF>
-		+	* Elected Officials
-	*~~Board of supervisor meeting agendas and minutes~~ are published.<ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/~~board~~/~~agen_min~~.~~htm Board~~]</ref>	+	** The names and contact information for all board of supervisor members is available.<ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/board/ Board]</ref>
-		+	* Meetings
-	*~~Information on contracts is provided~~.<ref>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/supportserv/~~Control~~/~~PurchasingBids~~.~~asp Bids~~]</ref>	+	** Meeting minutes and agendas are posted.<ref>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/board/dynamic.aspx?id=6724 Meetings]</ref>\
-		+	** Meeting schedule is posted.<Ref>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/calendar.aspx Schedule]</ref>
-	*~~The names and contact~~ information ~~for administrative officials are available~~.<ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/~~TopLevelPages~~/~~Departments~~.htm ~~Contacts~~]</ref>	+	* Audits
-		+	** Audit reports are published.<ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/auditor/dynamic.aspx?id=12039 Audits]</ref>
-	*~~Audit reports~~ are published.<~~ref~~>[http://www.sjgov.org/~~auditor~~/ ~~Audits~~]</ref>	+	* Contracts
		+	** Bids are posted.<ref>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/supportserv/ Bids]</reF>
		+	** Collective bargaining agreements are available.<ReF>[http://www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/labor_relations/ Labor Relations]</ref>
		+	* Public Records
		+	** Information is provided on how to request [[public records]] using the [[California Public Records Act]].<ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/ehd/docs/Public%20Records%20Release%20App.pdf Public Records]</ref>
		+	* Taxes
		+	** Tax information is provided.<reF>[http://www.sjgov.org/Treasurer/ Treasurer]</ref>
		+	* Building Permits and Zoning
		+	** Building and zoning information provided.<Ref>[http://www.sjgov.org/commdev/cgi-bin/cdyn.exe?grp=planning&htm=default Planning]</ref>
		+	* Lobbying
		+	** Legislative priorities are published every year.<ReF>[http://www.sjgov.org/cao/dynamic.aspx?id=6552 Legislative Priorities]</ref>

	===The bad===		===The bad===
-	*~~There is no information on building permits and zoning, lobbying, and taxes~~.	+	* Contracts
-	* No information ~~is provided on how to request [[public records]] using the [[California Public Records Act]]~~.	+	** Vendor contracts are not posted.
		+	* Lobbying
		+	** No information regarding lobbying contracts.

	==Lobbying==		==Lobbying==

Tehama County, California

2012-05-16T23:29:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:29, 16 May 2012
Line 2:		Line 2:

	{{County transparency checklist \|		{{County transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating4~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating7}} \|
-	Budget = {{no}} \|	+	Budget = {{yes}} \|
	Meetings = {{Yes}}\|		Meetings = {{Yes}}\|
	Elected Officials = {{Yes}} \|		Elected Officials = {{Yes}} \|
-	Administrative Officials = {{no}} \|	+	Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|
	Building permits and zoning = {{Yes}}\|		Building permits and zoning = {{Yes}}\|
	Audits = {{no}}\|		Audits = {{no}}\|
-	Contracts = {{no}} \|	+	Contracts = {{partial}} \|
	Lobbying = {{no}} \|		Lobbying = {{no}} \|
-	Public records = {{no}} \|	+	Public records = {{yes}} \|
	Local taxes = {{Yes}}\|		Local taxes = {{Yes}}\|
	}}		}}
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	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	:: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of California county websites]]''		:: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of California county websites]]''
		+	Last rated on May 16, 2012.

	===The good===		===The good===
-		+	* Budget
-	*The names and contact information for all board of supervisor members is provided.<ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=33 Board]</ref>	+	** Budgets are posted from 2008 to 2012.<reF>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=164&Itemid=420 Budget]</ref>
-		+	* Administrative Officials
-	*Board of supervisor meeting agendas and minutes are published.<ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=176 Meetings]</ref>	+	** Administrative officials are listed with contact information.<Ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=145 Departments]</ref>
-		+	* Elected Officials
-	*Information ~~on building permits and zoning~~ is ~~available~~.<ref>[http://~~www~~.~~tehamacountybuilding~~.com/ ~~Permits and Zoning~~]</ref>	+	** The names and contact information for all board of supervisor members is provided.<ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=33 Board]</ref>
-		+	* Meetings
-	*Information on taxes is provided.<ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=115 Taxes]</ref>	+	** Board of supervisor meeting agendas and minutes are published.<ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=176 Meetings]</ref>
		+	* Contracts
		+	** Collective bargaining agreements are posted.<Ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=62 CBA]</ref>
		+	** Bids are posted.<Ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Itemid=265 Bidding]</ref>
		+	* Public Records
		+	** Information is provided on how to request [[public records]] using the [[California Public Records Act]].<ref>[http://tehamapublic.countyrecords.com/ Public Records]</ref>
		+	* Taxes
		+	** Information on taxes is provided.<ref>[http://www.co.tehama.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=115 Taxes]</ref>
		+	* Building Permits and Zoning
		+	** Information on building permits and zoning is available.<ref>[http://www.tehamacountybuilding.com/ Permits and Zoning]</ref>

	===The bad===		===The bad===
-		+	* Contracts
-	* ~~The current budget and audit reports~~ are not ~~published~~.	+	** Vendor contracts are not available.
-		+	* Audits
-	* ~~Information on administrative officials, contracts, and lobbying is~~ not ~~available~~.	+	** Audits are not posted.
-		+	*Lobbying
-	* No information ~~is provided on how to request [[public records]] using the [[California Public Records Act]]~~.	+	** No information regarding lobbying.

	==External links==		==External links==

Massachusetts state budget

2012-05-16T22:24:51Z

Fiscal Year 2013 State Budget:

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 16 May 2012
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	'''Legislative Proposed Budget'''		'''Legislative Proposed Budget'''

-	The [[ballotpedia:Massachusetts State Senate\|Senate]] ~~will take up~~ its ~~own~~ budget ~~proposal in June~~. The chambers will negotiate any differences before sending a compromise package to Governor Deval Patrick prior to the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2012.<ref name=bg/>	+	The [[ballotpedia:Massachusetts State Senate\|Senate]] released its $32.275 billion proposed budget on May 16, 2012.<ref name=unveil>[http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/massachusetts_senate_leaders_u.html MassLive.com "Massachusetts Senate leaders unveil $32.2 billion state budget with record amount of education aid, measures to increase oversight of community colleges" May 16, 2012]</ref> It increases education funding by $180 million.<ref name=unveil/>
		+
		+	The chambers will negotiate any differences before sending a compromise package to Governor Deval Patrick prior to the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2012.<ref name=bg/>

	[[ballotpedia:Massachusetts House of Representatives\|House]] approved its version of the FY2013 state budget with a voted of 150 to 4.<ref name=bg>[http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2012/04/house-passes-billion-budget-for-fiscal-with-vote-midnight/jsff3fEZnphHDPgeboupTK/index.html The Boston Globe "Mass. House passes $32.4 billion budget for fiscal 2013 with 150-4 vote at midnight" April 26, 2012]</ref> The House budget includes no new taxes or fees but seeks about $790 million in one-time revenues, including a $400 million withdrawal from the state's "Rainy Day" fund.<Ref name=cbs>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57422898/house-backs-$32.3b-mass-budget-senate-is-next/ CBSNews.com "House backs $32.3B Mass. budget; Senate is next" April 27, 2012]</ref> It takes a very different approach from the governor's proposal to raise new revenue by increasing taxes on cigarettes and soda, among other items.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/02/08/speaker_no_new_taxes_in_mass_budget/ The Boston Globe "Speaker: No new taxes in Mass. budget" Feb. 8, 2012]</ref> The budget includes an amendment targeting abuse of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which work much like debit cards for people who receive welfare assistance from the state.<ref name=cbs/>		[[ballotpedia:Massachusetts House of Representatives\|House]] approved its version of the FY2013 state budget with a voted of 150 to 4.<ref name=bg>[http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2012/04/house-passes-billion-budget-for-fiscal-with-vote-midnight/jsff3fEZnphHDPgeboupTK/index.html The Boston Globe "Mass. House passes $32.4 billion budget for fiscal 2013 with 150-4 vote at midnight" April 26, 2012]</ref> The House budget includes no new taxes or fees but seeks about $790 million in one-time revenues, including a $400 million withdrawal from the state's "Rainy Day" fund.<Ref name=cbs>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57422898/house-backs-$32.3b-mass-budget-senate-is-next/ CBSNews.com "House backs $32.3B Mass. budget; Senate is next" April 27, 2012]</ref> It takes a very different approach from the governor's proposal to raise new revenue by increasing taxes on cigarettes and soda, among other items.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/02/08/speaker_no_new_taxes_in_mass_budget/ The Boston Globe "Speaker: No new taxes in Mass. budget" Feb. 8, 2012]</ref> The budget includes an amendment targeting abuse of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which work much like debit cards for people who receive welfare assistance from the state.<ref name=cbs/>

2012 press mentions

2012-05-16T21:14:27Z

May:

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	# [http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20Issue/5-7-2012/Pages/Countywebsiteshonoredfortheirtransparency.aspx ''NACO'', County websites honored for their transparency, May 7, 2012]		# [http://www.naco.org/newsroom/countynews/Current%20Issue/5-7-2012/Pages/Countywebsiteshonoredfortheirtransparency.aspx ''NACO'', County websites honored for their transparency, May 7, 2012]
	# [http://www.theunion.com/article/20120513/NEWS/120519927/1001&parentprofile=1053 ''The Union'', County receives high marks for electronic transparency, May 13, 2012]		# [http://www.theunion.com/article/20120513/NEWS/120519927/1001&parentprofile=1053 ''The Union'', County receives high marks for electronic transparency, May 13, 2012]
		+	# [http://www.kansas.com/2012/05/16/2336712/sedgwick-county-wichita-school.html ''Witchita Eagle'', Sedgwick County, Wichita school district, Derby among honored government websites by Sunshine Review, May 16, 2012]

	==April==		==April==

Davidson County, Tennessee

2012-05-16T20:57:32Z

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-	{{~~City~~ transparency checklist \|	+	{{County transparency checklist \|
	Rating = {{Rating7}} \|		Rating = {{Rating7}} \|
	Budget = {{Yes}} \|		Budget = {{Yes}} \|

Evaluation of Tennessee county websites

2012-05-16T20:51:41Z

Conclusions chart:

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:51, 16 May 2012
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	===Conclusions chart===		===Conclusions chart===
		+	In May of 2012, Sunshine Review re-evaluated the five largest counties in Tennessee. Our review found that they average a B- (70%). The rest of the reviews were conducted in 2009.
	{\|class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" background-color:white"		{\|class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" background-color:white"
	\|-		\|-

Evaluation of Tennessee city websites

2012-05-16T20:49:59Z

Conclusions chart:

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:49, 16 May 2012
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	==Conclusions chart==		==Conclusions chart==
		+	In May 2012, Sunshine Review evaluated the five largest cities in Tennessee. The average grade for these cities was a C+ (66%).
	{\|class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" background-color:white"		{\|class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" background-color:white"
	\|-		\|-
Line 30:		Line 31:
	! style="background-color:#cedff2" \| [[Local taxes\|Taxes]]?		! style="background-color:#cedff2" \| [[Local taxes\|Taxes]]?
	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Yes}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \| - \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-	+	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Yes}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|4 \|\|style="text-align:center" \| 4 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5\|\| style="text-align:center" \|3 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|4 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|4 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|3 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5
	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Partial}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \| - \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-	+	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Partial}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\|style="text-align:center" \|2 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|2 \|\|style="text-align:center" \| 2\|\| style="text-align:center" \|2 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0
	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{No}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-\|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \|-	+	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{No}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0\|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\|style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|3 \|\|style="text-align:center" \|2 \|\|style="text-align:center" \|0
-	~~\|-valign="top"~~	+
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2; text-align:center" \| '''No Website''' \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-\|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-\|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-\|\|style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \|-	+
	\|}		\|}

Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites

2012-05-16T20:46:10Z

Conclusions chart:

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:46, 16 May 2012
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	* See sample [[proactive disclosure\|transparency]] legislation at the [http://www.sunshinestandard.org Sunshine Standard]		* See sample [[proactive disclosure\|transparency]] legislation at the [http://www.sunshinestandard.org Sunshine Standard]
	===Conclusions chart===		===Conclusions chart===
		+	In May of 2012, Sunshine Review evaluated the 11 most populous school districts for website transparency. We chose to evaluate 11 districts instead of 10 because Memphis School District is being merged with Shelby in 2013-2014. The average grade for the school district websites was a D+ (48.6%).
	{\|class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" background-color:white"		{\|class="wikitable" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1" background-color:white"
	\|-		\|-
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	! style="background-color:#cedff2" \| [[Background checks]]?		! style="background-color:#cedff2" \| [[Background checks]]?
	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Yes}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \| - \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-	+	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Yes}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5 \|\|style="text-align:center" \| 4 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|10 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|6 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|2 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0\|\| style="text-align:center" \|4 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|8 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|10
	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Partial}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \| - \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-	+	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{Partial}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\|style="text-align:center" \| 4\|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|6 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|4 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|4\|\| style="text-align:center" \|2\|\| style="text-align:center" \|2 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0
	\|-valign="top"		\|-valign="top"
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{No}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \| - \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-	+	\| style="background-color:#cedff2" \| {{No}} \|\| style="text-align:center" \|6 \|\|style="text-align:center" \| 3 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|0 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|7 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|5 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1 \|\| style="text-align:center" \|1
-	~~\|-valign="top"~~	+
-	\| style="background-color:#cedff2; text-align:center" \| '''No Website''' \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\|style="text-align:center" \| - \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|- \|\| style="text-align:center" \|-	+
	\|}		\|}

New Jersey state government salary

2012-05-16T20:40:07Z

Elected officials' salaries:

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	\|Governor		\|Governor
	\|$175,000		\|$175,000
-	\|[[ballotpedia:~~Jon Corzine\|Jon Corzine~~]]	+	\|[[ballotpedia:Chris J. Christie]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|Secretary of State		\|Secretary of State

Sevier County Schools, Tennessee

2012-05-16T20:39:18Z

References:

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 16 May 2012
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	{{Tennessee schools}}		{{Tennessee schools}}
	{{Tennessee}}		{{Tennessee}}
-	[[category:~~starter class~~ Tennessee school districts]]	+	[[category:rated Tennessee school districts]]
	[[category:Tennessee school districts]]		[[category:Tennessee school districts]]

Alabama public pensions

2012-05-16T20:13:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:13, 16 May 2012
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	{{Show Me}}		{{Show Me}}
	Currently, public employees contribute 5 percent of their paychecks to their pensions.<ref name=dropping/>		Currently, public employees contribute 5 percent of their paychecks to their pensions.<ref name=dropping/>
		+
		+	==Pension Reform==
		+	The Alabama Legislature passed a bill to reform the pension system for new state employees who are hired after January 1, 2013. The pension reform measure will save the state $5 billion over the next 30 years. Current law allows employees with 10 years of service to retire at the age of 60 and employees with 25 years of service to retire at any age. Under the new law there is a minimum retirement age of 62 for all public employees. The only exception is for individuals working in law enforcement, where the minimum age will be 56. <ref> [http://www.plansponsor.com/Ala_Legislature_Passes_Pension_Reform.aspx/ Plansponsor.com, Ala. Legislature Passes Pension Reform, May 9, 2012] </ref>

	==Litigation==		==Litigation==

Jackson-Madison CSD, Tennessee

2012-05-16T19:47:43Z

Redirected page to Jackson-Madison Consolidated Schools, Tennessee

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 16 May 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
-	~~{{School district transparency checklist \|~~	+	#REDIRECT [[Jackson-Madison Consolidated Schools, Tennessee]]
-	~~Rating = {{Rating2}} \|~~	+
-	~~Taxes = {{No}}\|~~	+
-	~~Budget = {{No}}\|~~	+
-	~~Meetings = {{Yes}}\|~~	+
-	~~Elected Officials = {{Partial}}\|~~	+
-	~~Administrative Officials = {{Partial}}\|~~	+
-	~~Contracts = {{No}}\|~~	+
-	~~Audits = {{No}}\|~~	+
-	~~Public records = {{Partial}}\|~~	+
-	~~Academic performance = {{No}}\|~~	+
-	~~Background checks = {{Yes}}\|~~	+
-		+
-	~~}}{{TOCnestright}}'''~~Jackson-Madison ~~County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. The district has 28 schools~~, ~~including 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 magnet high school, a medical technology school and a learning center.<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/?PN=Schools2 JMCSD schools]</ref>~~	+
-		+
-	~~==Website evaluation==~~	+
-	~~{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}~~	+
-		+
-	~~==The good==~~	+
-	*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/?PN=Calendar Calendar]</ref> is available, meeting agendas and minutes<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=MeetingSchedule&L=1&DivisionID=3868&LMID=145179&ToggleSideNav=ShowAll Meetings and agendas]</ref> are available, and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN='MeetingSchedule'&DivisionID='3868'&DepartmentID=''&SubDepartmentID=''&DisplayType='Archives' Archives]</ref>	+
-	*Names of Board officials, email forms, and individual phone numbers are available<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=BoardMembers&SubP=Board&DivisionID=3868&DepartmentID=0&SubDepartmentID=0&StaffID='13597'http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=BoardMembers&SubP=Board&DivisionID=3868&DepartmentID=0&SubDepartmentID=0&StaffID='13597' Board members]</ref>	+
-	*Names of administrative officials, email forms and individual phone numbers are available<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?DivisionID=3873 Administrative officials]</ref>	+
-	*Personnel records policies are available in a central location<ref>[http://www.boardpolicy.net/documents/detail.asp?iFile=5385&iType=5&iBoard=15 Personnel records]</ref>	+
-	*Background check policy is available.<ref>[http://www.boardpolicy.net/documents/detail.asp?iFile=5377&iType=5&iBoard=15 Background policy]</ref>	+
-		+
-	~~==The bad==~~	+
-	*Board members do not have individual email addresses, only contact forms, and the members do not have a physical address published.	+
-	*A search of “budget” and “finance” did not generate results relating to a district budget and the operations/financial documents and forms do not include budget information.	+
-	*No information is available about tax revenues or tax rates in the district.	+
-	*Administrative officials only have email forms, and no physical addresses.	+
-	*No records contact is listed.	+
-	*No current audit is available and archived audits are not available.	+
-	*Active bids, awarded contracts and teacher contracts are not published.	+
-	*A search of “district report card,” “report card,” “academic tests,” and “academic performance” did not generate any reports on the academic progress of the district, including graduation rate. The Testing department does not publish this information either.	+
-		+
-	~~==School Board Members==~~	+
-	~~{\|class=wikitable~~	+
-	~~!Name~~	+
-	~~!Board of Education Role~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Bob Alvey \|\| District 4, Position 2~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Bill Baxter \|\| District 5, Position 1~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Carol Carter-Estes \|\| District 6, Position 1~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| David Clifft \|\| District 4, Position 1~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Becky Gordon \|\| District 3~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Billy Keeton \|\| District 2~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Joe Mays \|\| District 6, Position 2~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Maria Mitchell \|\| Incomplete~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| George Neely \|\| District 1~~	+
-	\|}	+
-		+
-	~~==Administrative Officials==~~	+
-	~~{\|class=wikitable~~	+
-	~~!Name~~	+
-	~~!Title~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Thomas White \|\| Interim Superintendent~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Doris Battle \|\| Deputy Superintendent~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Linda Cearley \|\| Board Secretary~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Stan Parker \|\| Director of School Operations and Financial Planning~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Melinda Broyles \|\| Manager of Federal Projects~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Carolyn Carter \|\| Director of School Success~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Sally Mathis \|\| Maintenance~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Niki Shires \|\| Research and Accountability~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Scott Stookey \|\| Supervisor of Testing and Homebound~~	+
-	\|-	+
-	~~\| Grant Ward \|\| Transportation~~	+
-	\|}	+
-		+
-	~~==References==~~	+
-	~~{{reflist\|2}}~~	+
-		+
-	~~{{Tennessee schools}}~~	+
-	~~{{Tennessee}}~~	+
-		+
-	~~[[Category:Rated Tennessee school districts]]~~	+
-	~~[[Category:~~Tennessee ~~school districts~~]]	+

Providence, Rhode Island

2012-05-16T19:00:06Z

Public Pensions:

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 16 May 2012
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	==Public Pensions==		==Public Pensions==
	Providence Mayor Angel Taveras is calling on more than 800 city retirees to accept reduced pensions and less generous health care coverage to help the city avoid a bankruptcy filing. The mayor is seeking three changes:the suspension of future pension cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) until the system gets from its 32% funded level to 70 percent; a 20 percent health insurance co-share for retirees under the age of 65; and a transition to Medicare with a supplemental plan for those 65 and older. <ref> [http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/west_bay/providence-mayor-angel-taveras-pitches-to-retirees-that-reduced-pensions-will-help-with-citys-financial-woes/ WPRI, Mayor: Smaller pensions will save Prov., March 3, 2012] </ref>		Providence Mayor Angel Taveras is calling on more than 800 city retirees to accept reduced pensions and less generous health care coverage to help the city avoid a bankruptcy filing. The mayor is seeking three changes:the suspension of future pension cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) until the system gets from its 32% funded level to 70 percent; a 20 percent health insurance co-share for retirees under the age of 65; and a transition to Medicare with a supplemental plan for those 65 and older. <ref> [http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/west_bay/providence-mayor-angel-taveras-pitches-to-retirees-that-reduced-pensions-will-help-with-citys-financial-woes/ WPRI, Mayor: Smaller pensions will save Prov., March 3, 2012] </ref>
		+
		+	Providence's pension system is one reason why Rhode Island's capital and New England's second-largest city is on the verge of municipal bankruptcy. It faces a $23-$30 million structural budget deficit that is projected to rise to $67 million in four years. Today, pensions and other post-retirement benefits consume more than half of Providence's annual tax levy. Nevertheless, the city's pension fund is only about one-third funded, while 70 percent is considered the minimum for a relatively stable government system. All in all, it adds up to a $903 million unfunded pension liability. <ref> [http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-rhode-island-providence-pension-reform.html/ Governing.com, Big Pension Reforms in a Little State, May 11, 2012] </ref>
		+
		+	The biggest single cause of the problem is cost-of-living adjustments. The majority of city retirees receive a 3 percent annual COLA. But police and firefighters who retired in the late 1980s and early 1990s — 27 percent of all retired city workers — are eligible for 5-6 percent increases each year. A pension with a compounding 5 percent annual COLA doubles in 16 years; at 6 percent, the pension benefit doubles in 12-13 years. <ref> [http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-rhode-island-providence-pension-reform.html/ Governing.com, Big Pension Reforms in a Little State, May 11, 2012] </ref>

	==External links==		==External links==

Louisiana state budget

2012-05-16T18:21:01Z

Fiscal Year 2013 State Budget:

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 16 May 2012
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	The [[ballotpedia:Louisiana House of Representatives\|House]] passed a budget plan that contains $268 million less in state funding than what was sought by Gov. Bobby Jindal.<ref name=face>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9UP5H880.htm Businessweek "Colleges, health care face cuts in La. budget" May 15, 2012]</ref> The House budget, HB1, can be found [http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=797030 here].		The [[ballotpedia:Louisiana House of Representatives\|House]] passed a budget plan that contains $268 million less in state funding than what was sought by Gov. Bobby Jindal.<ref name=face>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9UP5H880.htm Businessweek "Colleges, health care face cuts in La. budget" May 15, 2012]</ref> The House budget, HB1, can be found [http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=797030 here].

-	The Jindal administration hopes the Senate will restore the funding that the House cut.<ref name=face/>	+	The Jindal administration hopes the Senate will restore the funding that the House cut.<ref name=face/> As it stands, the House budget cuts on average of nearly 10 percent in the rates doctors and other providers are paid for caring for Medicaid patient.<ref name=face/>

	The legislative budget relies on $340-plus million in one-time funds, which the Jindal administration supports although conservative Republican lawmakers oppose the use of the funds.<ref>[http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20120507/NEWS01/205070321 The Town Talk "Analysis: Louisiana budget cut depth hinges on one-time cash" May 7, 2012]</ref>		The legislative budget relies on $340-plus million in one-time funds, which the Jindal administration supports although conservative Republican lawmakers oppose the use of the funds.<ref>[http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20120507/NEWS01/205070321 The Town Talk "Analysis: Louisiana budget cut depth hinges on one-time cash" May 7, 2012]</ref>

Sevier County Schools, Tennessee

2012-05-16T18:19:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:19, 16 May 2012
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	{{School district transparency checklist \|		{{School district transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating0~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating2}} \|
-	Taxes = - \|	+	Taxes = {{No}} \|
-	Budget = - \|	+	Budget = {{No}} \|
-	Meetings = - \|	+	Meetings = {{Yes}} \|
-	Elected Officials = - \|	+	Elected Officials = {{Partial}} \|
-	Administrative Officials = - \|	+	Administrative Officials = {{Partial}} \|
-	Contracts = - \|	+	Contracts = {{No}} \|
-	Audits = - \|	+	Audits = {{No}} \|
-	Public records = - \|	+	Public records = {{Partial}} \|
-	Academic performance = - \|	+	Academic performance = {{Yes}} \|
-	Background checks = - \|	+	Background checks = {{No}} \|
-	}}{{TOCnestright}}'''Sevier County ~~Schools~~''' is a ~~[[Tennessee school districts\|~~school district]] in [[Tennessee]].	+	}}
		+
		+	Information last reviewed: 5/16/12
		+
		+	{{TOCnestright}}'''Sevier County School District ''' is a school district in [[Tennessee]]. The district is located in Sevier (pronounced “severe”) County. The school system serves over 14,000 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade and employs more than 2,000 professional, paraprofessional, and auxiliary staff members. There are twenty-five schools in the system, including four primary schools, two intermediate schools, four middle schools, seven elementary schools, four high schools and four specialty schools. Instructional programs within the system are reflective of both state and local curriculum standards.

	==Website evaluation==		==Website evaluation==
	: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites]]''		: ''Main article: [[Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites]]''

-	===The good===	+	==The good==
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	*Budget policy is published.<ref>[http://www.sevier.org/board/boardpolicies/BP807.pdf Budget]</ref>
		+	*The calendar of Board meetings, meeting agendas and minutes are available, and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.sevier.org/board/index.html Meetings and agendas]</ref>
		+	*Names of Board officials are available.<ref>[http://www.sevier.org/board/index.html Board officials]</ref>
		+	*Names of administrative officials and individual email addresses are available.<ref>[http://www.sevier.org/dept_directors.html Administrative Directors]</ref>
		+	*Audit policy is published.<ref>[http://www.sevier.org/board/boardpolicies/BP803.pdf Audit policy]</ref>
		+	*Personnel records policies are available.<ref>[http://www.sevier.org/board/boardpolicies/BP209.pdf Records]</ref>
		+	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:1:4001888751592694::NO::: Academic performance]</ref>

-	===The bad===	+	==The bad==
-	* ~~none~~ posted ~~yet~~	+	*Individual phone numbers and physical addresses are unavailable for administrative directors.
		+	*Board members’ individual email address, individual phone numbers, and physical addresses are unavailable.
		+	*Records contact is unlisted.
		+	*Background check policy information is unavailable.
		+	*Current audit and archived audits are unavailable.
		+	*Current budget and archived budgets are unavailable.
		+	*Tax revenues and rates are not published.
		+	*Bids are not posted, including approved contracts over $10,000, and teacher contracts.
		+
		+	==School Board Members==
		+	{\|class=wikitable
		+	!Name
		+	!Board of Education Role
		+	\|-
		+	\| Michael Oakley \|\| 1st Educational District
		+	\|-
		+	\| John McClure \|\| 2nd Educational District
		+	\|-
		+	\| Mark Strange \|\| 3rd Educational District
		+	\|-
		+	\| Charles Temple \|\| 4th Educational District
		+	\|-
		+	\| Becky Barnes \|\| 5th Educational District
		+	\|}
		+
		+	==Administrative Officials==
		+	{\|class=wikitable
		+	!Name
		+	!Title
		+	\|-
		+	\| Jack Parton \|\| Director of Schools
		+	\|-
		+	\| Jim Wade \|\| Director of Personnel & Purchasing Support Services
		+	\|-
		+	\| Debra Cline \|\| Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction
		+	\|-
		+	\| Karen King \|\| Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Human Resources
		+	\|-
		+	\| Lary McCroskey \|\| Director of Maintenance & Facilities
		+	\|}
		+
		+	==Academic Performance==
		+	Graduation stayed relatively even from 2009 (98.8%) to 2010 (98.5%) to 2011 (98.7%). High school AYP summary indicates that all high schools reached AYP except in proficiency in math and reading for students with disabilities; the high schools did meet the overall AYP and graduation rate as provided by the district. Per pupil expenditure ($9,063) is slightly below the state level ($9,084).<ref>[http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:1:4001888751592694::NO Academic performance reports]</ref>

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{wikipedia entry}}		{{wikipedia entry}}
-

	==References==		==References==

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

2012-05-16T18:11:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 16 May 2012
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	{{City transparency checklist \|		{{City transparency checklist \|
-	Rating = {{~~Rating5~~}} \|	+	Rating = {{Rating4}} \|
	Budget = {{partial}} \|		Budget = {{partial}} \|
	Meetings = {{yes}} \|		Meetings = {{yes}} \|
-	Elected Officials = {{~~yes~~}} \|	+	Elected Officials = {{partial}} \|
	Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|		Administrative Officials = {{yes}} \|
	Building permits and zoning = {{yes}} \|		Building permits and zoning = {{yes}} \|
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	===The good===		===The good===
	* The current budget is posted.<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/index.aspx?NID=121 Budget]</ref>		* The current budget is posted.<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/index.aspx?NID=121 Budget]</ref>
-	* Names and contact details are provided for elected officials.<ref name=council>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/index.aspx?nid=91 Town Council]</ref>	+	* Names and generic contact details are provided for elected officials.<ref name=council>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/index.aspx?nid=91 Town Council]</ref>
	* Administrative contact details are available on individual department webpages,<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/index.aspx?NID=8 Departments]</ref>, and in a staff directory.<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/directory.aspx Staff Directory]</ref>		* Administrative contact details are available on individual department webpages,<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/index.aspx?NID=8 Departments]</ref>, and in a staff directory.<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/directory.aspx Staff Directory]</ref>
	* Meeting agendas, minutes, and schedules are posted.<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/Archive.aspx Meeting Archive]</ref>		* Meeting agendas, minutes, and schedules are posted.<ref>[http://townofmountpleasant.com/Archive.aspx Meeting Archive]</ref>
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	===The bad===		===The bad===
	* Archived budget documents are not posted.		* Archived budget documents are not posted.
		+	* Individual contact details are not provided for elected officials.
	* Bids and contracts are not posted.		* Bids and contracts are not posted.
	* Information is not available on filing a public records request.		* Information is not available on filing a public records request.

Louisiana state budget

2012-05-16T18:09:03Z

Fiscal Year 2013 State Budget:

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:09, 16 May 2012
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	'''Legislative Budget'''		'''Legislative Budget'''

-	The [[ballotpedia:Louisiana House of Representatives\|House]] ~~deadlocked whenRepublican representatives said they needed at least~~ $~~250~~ million in ~~cuts before they would consider the budget~~.<ref>[http://www.~~nola~~.com/~~politics/index.ssf~~/2012/05/~~state_budget_standoff_continue~~.~~html NOLA.com~~ "~~State budget standoff continues as one-time-money hawks unveil $272 million~~ in ~~cuts~~" May 10, 2012]</ref> The House budget, HB1, can be found [http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=797030 here].	+	The [[ballotpedia:Louisiana House of Representatives\|House]] passed a budget plan that contains $268 million less in state funding than what was sought by Gov. Bobby Jindal.<ref name=face>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9UP5H880.htm Businessweek "Colleges, health care face cuts in La. budget" May 15, 2012]</ref> The House budget, HB1, can be found [http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=797030 here].
		+
		+	The Jindal administration hopes the Senate will restore the funding that the House cut.<ref name=face/>

	The legislative budget relies on $340-plus million in one-time funds, which the Jindal administration supports although conservative Republican lawmakers oppose the use of the funds.<ref>[http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20120507/NEWS01/205070321 The Town Talk "Analysis: Louisiana budget cut depth hinges on one-time cash" May 7, 2012]</ref>		The legislative budget relies on $340-plus million in one-time funds, which the Jindal administration supports although conservative Republican lawmakers oppose the use of the funds.<ref>[http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20120507/NEWS01/205070321 The Town Talk "Analysis: Louisiana budget cut depth hinges on one-time cash" May 7, 2012]</ref>

Memphis City School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:57:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Memphis City School District ''' was a school district in [[Tennessee]].		{{TOCnestright}}'''Memphis City School District ''' was a school district in [[Tennessee]].

-	'''In March, 2011, residents voted to disband the city school district, effectively merging it with the Shelby County School District'''.	+	'''In March, 2011, residents voted to disband the city school district, effectively merging it with the Shelby County School District. The merger will take place during the 2013-2014 school year'''<ref>[http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120506/NEWS04/305060055/Memphis-Shelby-County-school-districts-team-up-before-merger ''The Tennessean''', Memphis, Shelby County school districts team up before merger, May 6, 2012]</ref>

	In July 2011, the Memphis City School Board of Commissioners voted to postpone opening Memphis City Schools indefinitely until the Memphis City Council provided money set aside for the school system.		In July 2011, the Memphis City School Board of Commissioners voted to postpone opening Memphis City Schools indefinitely until the Memphis City Council provided money set aside for the school system.

Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites

2012-05-16T17:54:30Z

School districts without websites:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 16 May 2012
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	category = Rated Tennessee school districts		category = Rated Tennessee school districts
	notcategory=Tennessee school districts without websites		notcategory=Tennessee school districts without websites
-	~~include = {school district transparency checklist}:Rating:Taxes:Budget:Meetings:Elected Officials:Administrative Officials:Contracts:Audits:Public records:Academic performance:Background checks~~
-	~~order = ascending~~
-	table = class="wikitable sortable", [[Tennessee school districts\|School district]], [[Transparency checklist\|Grade]], [[Local taxes\|Taxes]], [[Government budgets\|Budget]], [[Open Meeting Law\|Meetings]], [[Elected Officials]], [[Administrative Officials\|Admin.Officials]], [[Contracts]], [[Audits]], [[State sunshine laws\|Public records]], [[Academic performance\|Academics]], [[Background checks]]
-	~~tablerow = %%,%%~~
-	~~</dpl>~~
-
-	~~==School districts without websites ==~~
-
-	~~<dpl>~~
-	~~category = Rated Tennessee school districts~~
-	~~category=Tennessee school districts without websites~~
	include = {school district transparency checklist}:Rating:Taxes:Budget:Meetings:Elected Officials:Administrative Officials:Contracts:Audits:Public records:Academic performance:Background checks		include = {school district transparency checklist}:Rating:Taxes:Budget:Meetings:Elected Officials:Administrative Officials:Contracts:Audits:Public records:Academic performance:Background checks
	order = ascending		order = ascending

Nashville-Davidson County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:54:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Nashville-Davidson School District ''' is a school district in [[Tennessee]]. Serving PK-12, the district has 137 schools, 5,216 teachers, and 557 administrators. The per pupil expenditure in the district is $11,080, as compared to the state average, $9,084.<ref>[http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:1:1945762300954261::NO::: NDSD facs]</ref>		{{TOCnestright}}'''Nashville-Davidson School District ''' is a school district in [[Tennessee]]. Serving PK-12, the district has 137 schools, 5,216 teachers, and 557 administrators. The per pupil expenditure in the district is $11,080, as compared to the state average, $9,084.<ref>[http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:1:1945762300954261::NO::: NDSD facs]</ref>

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*The current budget is published and previous budgets are available for the last three years<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page89864.aspx Budget]</ref>		*The current budget is published and previous budgets are available for the last three years<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page89864.aspx Budget]</ref>
	*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page66180.aspx Calendar]</ref> and meeting agendas and minutes are available and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page57390.aspx Agendas and minutes]</ref>		*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page66180.aspx Calendar]</ref> and meeting agendas and minutes are available and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page57390.aspx Agendas and minutes]</ref>
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	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page63162.aspx Academic performance]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.mnps.org/Page63162.aspx Academic performance]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*There is no homepage search feature.		*There is no homepage search feature.
	*Audits are not published.		*Audits are not published.

Knox County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:51:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Knox County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. The district has 87 schools, including 50 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 13 high schools, and 10 special schools, with 7,934 employees serving approximately 56,000 students in the cities of Knoxville and Farragut as well as other communities. There are 4,088 classroom teachers, 87 principals, and 112 assistant principals.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knox_County_Schools KCSD facts]</ref>		{{TOCnestright}}'''Knox County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. The district has 87 schools, including 50 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 13 high schools, and 10 special schools, with 7,934 employees serving approximately 56,000 students in the cities of Knoxville and Farragut as well as other communities. There are 4,088 classroom teachers, 87 principals, and 112 assistant principals.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knox_County_Schools KCSD facts]</ref>

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*The current budget is published<ref>[http://knoxschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=190012&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Budget]</ref> and previous budgets are available for the last three years<ref>[http://knoxschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=190012&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Archived budgets]</ref>		*The current budget is published<ref>[http://knoxschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=190012&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Budget]</ref> and previous budgets are available for the last three years<ref>[http://knoxschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=190012&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Archived budgets]</ref>
	*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://board.knoxschools.org/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=500078&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Meetings]</ref> and meeting agendas<ref>[http://agenda.knoxschools.org/agenda_publish.cfm - ReturnTo0 Agenda]</ref> and minutes<ref>[http://agenda.knoxschools.org/agenda_publish.cfm - ReturnTo0 Minutes]</ref> are available and archived at least three years.		*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://board.knoxschools.org/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=500078&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Meetings]</ref> and meeting agendas<ref>[http://agenda.knoxschools.org/agenda_publish.cfm - ReturnTo0 Agenda]</ref> and minutes<ref>[http://agenda.knoxschools.org/agenda_publish.cfm - ReturnTo0 Minutes]</ref> are available and archived at least three years.
Line 25:		Line 28:
	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://testing.knoxschools.org/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=511455&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Academic performance]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://testing.knoxschools.org/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=511455&sessionid=b53a0a1874c996643ace554dbffd8086 Academic performance]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*No search function.		*No search function.
	*No tax information.		*No tax information.

Shelby County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:51:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Shelby County School District ''' is headquartered in Memphis, [[Tennessee]] and serves Shelby County, except for Memphis. On March 8, 2011, residents voted to disband Memphis City Schools, effectively merging it with SCSD, effective in the 2013-14 school year. Total enrollment is about 47,000 students, making it the fourth largest school district in TN. There are 28 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 2 K-8 schools, and 8 high schools.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_Schools_(Tennessee) SCSD facts]</ref>		{{TOCnestright}}'''Shelby County School District ''' is headquartered in Memphis, [[Tennessee]] and serves Shelby County, except for Memphis. On March 8, 2011, residents voted to disband Memphis City Schools, effectively merging it with SCSD, effective in the 2013-14 school year. Total enrollment is about 47,000 students, making it the fourth largest school district in TN. There are 28 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 2 K-8 schools, and 8 high schools.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_Schools_(Tennessee) SCSD facts]</ref>

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*Tax revenues and rates are available and <ref>[http://www.scsk12.org/SCS/pages/GEN-FUND-BUDGET-10-11.pdf Tax revenue]</ref>		*Tax revenues and rates are available and <ref>[http://www.scsk12.org/SCS/pages/GEN-FUND-BUDGET-10-11.pdf Tax revenue]</ref>
	*The current budget is published and previous budgets are available for the last three years<ref>[http://www.scsk12.org/SCS/pages/GEN-FUND-BUDGET-10-11.pdf Budget]</ref>		*The current budget is published and previous budgets are available for the last three years<ref>[http://www.scsk12.org/SCS/pages/GEN-FUND-BUDGET-10-11.pdf Budget]</ref>
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	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.scsk12.org/Departments/Curriculum_Instruction/Testing/index.html Academic performance]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.scsk12.org/Departments/Curriculum_Instruction/Testing/index.html Academic performance]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*Only the June, 2010 audit is available; audits should be archived for three years.		*Only the June, 2010 audit is available; audits should be archived for three years.
	*Teacher contracts are unavailable		*Teacher contracts are unavailable

Hamilton County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:50:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 16 May 2012
Line 14:		Line 14:

	Information last reviewed: 5/6/12		Information last reviewed: 5/6/12
-	{{TOCnestright}}'''Hamilton County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee].	+	{{TOCnestright}}'''Hamilton County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]].

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*Tax revenues are available and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.hcde.org/media/FY-2010-Operating-Budget.pdf Taxes]</ref>		*Tax revenues are available and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.hcde.org/media/FY-2010-Operating-Budget.pdf Taxes]</ref>
	*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.hcde.org/inside-hcde/budget Budget]</ref> and previous budgets are available for the last three years</ref>		*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.hcde.org/inside-hcde/budget Budget]</ref> and previous budgets are available for the last three years</ref>
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	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.hcde.org/inside-hcde/test-scores Academic testing]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.hcde.org/inside-hcde/test-scores Academic testing]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*The administrative director does not include email addresses for each official.		*The administrative director does not include email addresses for each official.
	*Neither current nor archived audits are available to view.		*Neither current nor archived audits are available to view.

California public pensions

2012-05-16T17:50:09Z

County Reforms:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 16 May 2012
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	Some [[Riverside County, California]] officials are calling for the end of a supplemental retirement plan of $100 per month that costs the county more than $2.5 million a year. Those receiving the benefit come from various departments. The Sheriff’s Department has the most employees — 446 — receiving the 401(a) contributions, largely because the Law Enforcement Management Unit negotiated the benefit, county spokesman Ray Smith said Tuesday. The unit represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains. <ref> [http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/duane-gang-headlines/20120103-riverside-county-elected-officials-2000-others-get-extra-benefit.ece/ Press-Enterprise, RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Elected officials, 2,000 others get extra benefit, Jan. 3, 2012] </ref>		Some [[Riverside County, California]] officials are calling for the end of a supplemental retirement plan of $100 per month that costs the county more than $2.5 million a year. Those receiving the benefit come from various departments. The Sheriff’s Department has the most employees — 446 — receiving the 401(a) contributions, largely because the Law Enforcement Management Unit negotiated the benefit, county spokesman Ray Smith said Tuesday. The unit represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains. <ref> [http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/duane-gang-headlines/20120103-riverside-county-elected-officials-2000-others-get-extra-benefit.ece/ Press-Enterprise, RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Elected officials, 2,000 others get extra benefit, Jan. 3, 2012] </ref>
		+
		+	The 3rd District Court of Appeal denied the Sacramento County employee retirement board's petition for a rehearing of the court's decision last month, ordering the board to make public the names and pension amounts it pays to individual retirees. In the midst of the annual struggle to close large budget gaps, pension costs have been soaring.The Sacramento Board of Supervisors just approved a budget that included a $278 million pension bill. That's $60 million or some 27 percent more than the county spent on its pension obligations just five years ago. <ref> [http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/10/3690021/pension-board-must-release-data.html/ Sacramento Bee, Pension Board Must Release Data, June 10, 2011] </ref>

	====Municipal Actions====		====Municipal Actions====

Pennsylvania state budget

2012-05-16T17:49:54Z

Fiscal Year 2013 State Budget:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:49, 16 May 2012
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	Budget Secretary Charles Zogby predicted in Dec. 2011 that the state would face a revenue shortfall of at least $500 million and that the commonwealth will be searching for at least $750 million in cuts to balance the FY2013 state budget that includes mandated increases in debt payments, pension costs and welfare spending.<ref>[http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11354/1198166-100.stm The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Outlook bleak for next year's state budget" Dec. 20, 2011]</ref>		Budget Secretary Charles Zogby predicted in Dec. 2011 that the state would face a revenue shortfall of at least $500 million and that the commonwealth will be searching for at least $750 million in cuts to balance the FY2013 state budget that includes mandated increases in debt payments, pension costs and welfare spending.<ref>[http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11354/1198166-100.stm The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Outlook bleak for next year's state budget" Dec. 20, 2011]</ref>
		+
		+	Neither the legislature nor the governor proposed increasing taxes.<ref name=fox>[http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-amnews-6weeks-state-budget,0,7183954.story?track=rss Fox 43 "State budget deadline quickly approaching; Negotiations heating up" May 16, 2012]</ref>

	'''Legislative Proposed Budget'''		'''Legislative Proposed Budget'''

-	On May 9, 2012, the Senate approved a $27.7 billion FY2013 budget. It erases many cuts proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett and in fact increases spending by approximately $500 million over FY2012. It includes the governor's proposals for a $275 million business-tax cut and the elimination of the $150 million temporary cash-assistance program for poor adults.<ref>[http://www.cnbc.com/id/47370173 CNBC.com "Pa. Senate approves alternative to gov's budget" May 10, 2012]</ref>	+	On May 9, 2012, the Senate approved a $27.7 billion FY2013 budget. It erases many cuts proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett and in fact increases spending by approximately $500 million over FY2012. It includes the governor's proposals for a $275 million business-tax cut and the elimination of the $150 million temporary cash-assistance program for poor adults.<ref>[http://www.cnbc.com/id/47370173 CNBC.com "Pa. Senate approves alternative to gov's budget" May 10, 2012]</ref>
		+
		+	The [[ballotpedia:Pennsylvania State Senate\|Senate]] plan also restores funding to higher education, a portion of cuts to social service programs and adds $100 million dollars to K-12 basic education funding. The Senate plans to use some better than expected revenue collections to pay for the extra portions of its budget.<ref name=fox/>

	'''Governor's Proposed Budget'''		'''Governor's Proposed Budget'''

California public pensions

2012-05-16T17:49:28Z

Investigations:

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	===Investigations===		===Investigations===
-	The state's Fair Political Practices Commission is conducting an investigation that focuses on executives at the California Public Employees' Retirement System. CalPERS Chief Executive Anne Stausboll told administrators ~~at the pension fund~~ that some senior executives may have failed to report gifts properly on annual statements of economic interest ~~filed with the state~~. The list ~~of 49 CalPERS officials and former officials being investigated~~ includes four of the fund's 13 board members: President Rob Feckner, Vice President George Diehr, Louis F. Moret and J.J. Jelincic. Also on the list are Chief Investment Officer Joseph Dear, former Chief Executive Fred Buenrostro, senior investment officers Curtis Ishii and Forouk Majeed, and former senior investment officers Christy Wood and Joncarlo Mark. Gifts, including gourmet meals, private jet travel and bottles of wine, were commonplace before allegations of influence peddling and corruption emerged during a scandal that gripped the $237-billion CalPERS beginning in fall 2009. <ref> [http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/24/business/la-fi-calpers-gifts-20110524/ Los Angeles Times, Gifts to state pension officials are under investigation, May 24, 2011] </ref>	+	'''Improper Gifts'''
		+
		+	The state's Fair Political Practices Commission is conducting an investigation that focuses on executives at the California Public Employees' Retirement System. CalPERS Chief Executive Anne Stausboll told administrators that some 49 senior executives and former officials may have failed to report gifts properly on annual statements of economic interest. The list includes four of the fund's 13 board members: President Rob Feckner, Vice President George Diehr, Louis F. Moret and J.J. Jelincic. Also on the list are Chief Investment Officer Joseph Dear, former Chief Executive Fred Buenrostro, senior investment officers Curtis Ishii and Forouk Majeed, and former senior investment officers Christy Wood and Joncarlo Mark. Gifts, including gourmet meals, private jet travel and bottles of wine, were commonplace before allegations of influence peddling and corruption emerged during a scandal that gripped the $237-billion CalPERS beginning in fall 2009. <ref> [http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/24/business/la-fi-calpers-gifts-20110524/ Los Angeles Times, Gifts to state pension officials are under investigation, May 24, 2011] </ref>

	The watchdog is looking into whether CalPERS workers received gifts worth at least $50 from someone in a single calendar year without reporting it, or received gifts from someone worth more than the legal maximum of $420. <ref> [http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18123314?nclick_check=1/ San Jose Mercury, Watchdog eyes possible gifts to pension fund staff, May 24, 2011] </ref>		The watchdog is looking into whether CalPERS workers received gifts worth at least $50 from someone in a single calendar year without reporting it, or received gifts from someone worth more than the legal maximum of $420. <ref> [http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18123314?nclick_check=1/ San Jose Mercury, Watchdog eyes possible gifts to pension fund staff, May 24, 2011] </ref>

-	~~The 3rd District Court of Appeal denied the Sacramento County employee retirement board~~'~~s petition for a rehearing of the court~~'~~s decision last month~~, ordering the board to make public the names and pension amounts it pays to individual retirees. In the midst of the annual struggle to close large budget gaps, pension costs have been soaring.The Sacramento Board of Supervisors just approved a budget that included a $278 million pension bill. That's $60 million or some 27 percent more than the county spent on its pension obligations just five years ago. <ref> [http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/10/3690021/pension-board-must-release-data.html/ Sacramento Bee, Pension Board Must Release Data, June 10, 2011] </ref>	+	'''Corruption, Influence Peddling'''

	The California Public Employees' Retirement System paid $11 million to a Washington, D.C., law firm and its advisors to conduct an internal review, an amount that has some of the fund's own directors proposing more stringent oversight of outside legal fees. The review found support for allegations of corruption, bribery and influence peddling at the country's biggest public pension fund, but some lawyers and financial experts familiar with the scandal said they were surprised by the large legal fees. <ref> [http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/28/business/la-fi-calpers-khinda-20110628/ LA Times, CalPERS' $11-million legal bill raises eyebrows, June 28, 2011] </ref>		The California Public Employees' Retirement System paid $11 million to a Washington, D.C., law firm and its advisors to conduct an internal review, an amount that has some of the fund's own directors proposing more stringent oversight of outside legal fees. The review found support for allegations of corruption, bribery and influence peddling at the country's biggest public pension fund, but some lawyers and financial experts familiar with the scandal said they were surprised by the large legal fees. <ref> [http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/28/business/la-fi-calpers-khinda-20110628/ LA Times, CalPERS' $11-million legal bill raises eyebrows, June 28, 2011] </ref>

Rutherford County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:49:13Z

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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Rutherford County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. Rutherford County Schools consistently ranks among the best school districts in Tennessee and has outpaced national rankings on a number of measures. Rutherford County is one of the fastest growing school districts in Tennessee and the fifth largest behind those in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Since 1998, Rutherford County Schools has added nearly 14,000 students for a total population of nearly 40,000.During that time, the district has opened 19 new schools and completed additions/ renovations at 12 other schools. Despite the county's tremendous growth-rate and the accompanying challenges, Rutherford County Schools has served as a model for many other districts in the areas of academics, planning and safety measures.		{{TOCnestright}}'''Rutherford County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. Rutherford County Schools consistently ranks among the best school districts in Tennessee and has outpaced national rankings on a number of measures. Rutherford County is one of the fastest growing school districts in Tennessee and the fifth largest behind those in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Since 1998, Rutherford County Schools has added nearly 14,000 students for a total population of nearly 40,000.During that time, the district has opened 19 new schools and completed additions/ renovations at 12 other schools. Despite the county's tremendous growth-rate and the accompanying challenges, Rutherford County Schools has served as a model for many other districts in the areas of academics, planning and safety measures.
-	==The good==	+
		+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*The current budget is published <ref>[http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=16215& Budgets]</ref>		*The current budget is published <ref>[http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=16215& Budgets]</ref>
	*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us/education/staff/staff.php?sectiondetailid=4640& Board calendar]</ref> is available, and meeting agendas and minutes are available and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=10632&backPath=L2VkdWNhdGlvbi9jb21wb25lbnRzL3NlYXJjaC9zZWFyY2gucGhwP3NlY3Rpb25kZXRhaWxpZD05ODIw Meetings and agendas]</ref>		*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us/education/staff/staff.php?sectiondetailid=4640& Board calendar]</ref> is available, and meeting agendas and minutes are available and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.rcs.k12.tn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=10632&backPath=L2VkdWNhdGlvbi9jb21wb25lbnRzL3NlYXJjaC9zZWFyY2gucGhwP3NlY3Rpb25kZXRhaWxpZD05ODIw Meetings and agendas]</ref>
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	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://rutherfordcounty.tn.schoolwebpages.com/education/page/download.php?fileinfo=RmFjdF9Cb29rXzIwMTIucGRmOjo6L3d3dzUvc2Nob29scy90bi9ydXRoZXJmb3JkY291bnR5L2ltYWdlcy9hdHRhY2gvMTYyMjAvMjMyMzRfMTYyMjBfYXR0YWNoXzQzLnBkZg== Academic performance]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://rutherfordcounty.tn.schoolwebpages.com/education/page/download.php?fileinfo=RmFjdF9Cb29rXzIwMTIucGRmOjo6L3d3dzUvc2Nob29scy90bi9ydXRoZXJmb3JkY291bnR5L2ltYWdlcy9hdHRhY2gvMTYyMjAvMjMyMzRfMTYyMjBfYXR0YWNoXzQzLnBkZg== Academic performance]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*Budget information is limited and does not include accompanying explanatory text. Only two archived budgets are available, instead of three.		*Budget information is limited and does not include accompanying explanatory text. Only two archived budgets are available, instead of three.
	*A search of teacher/district contracts does not turn up relevant results.		*A search of teacher/district contracts does not turn up relevant results.

Sumner County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:48:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:48, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Sumner County School District ''' is a school district in [[Tennessee]]. Sumner County has a population of 155,474; since the 2000 census, the county’s population has grown more than twice as fast (19.2%) as the rate seen across the country. With 46 schools, the district is consistently ranked as one of the top academic districts in the state, serving more than 27,000 students and employing nearly 5,000 teachers, administrators, and staff.<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=31&Itemid=343 SCSD facts]</ref>		{{TOCnestright}}'''Sumner County School District ''' is a school district in [[Tennessee]]. Sumner County has a population of 155,474; since the 2000 census, the county’s population has grown more than twice as fast (19.2%) as the rate seen across the country. With 46 schools, the district is consistently ranked as one of the top academic districts in the state, serving more than 27,000 students and employing nearly 5,000 teachers, administrators, and staff.<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=31&Itemid=343 SCSD facts]</ref>

-	==~~SCEA Litigation~~==	+	==Website evaluation==
-	~~SUMNER COUNTY AGREES TO RESOLUTION WITH THE SUMNER COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION~~	+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
-	The Sumner County Board of Education is pleased to announce that it has reached an amicable resolution of the Federal litigation with the Sumner County Education Association (SCEA). The Board approved the mediated agreement negotiated by the Director of Schools, Board representatives, and representatives of SCEA during its April 17, 2012 meeting. The agreement is consistent with existing Board policy and is designed to continue the Board’s support of our teachers.	+
-	~~The following were agreed upon by the Sumner County Schools Board of Education and the Sumner County Education Association:~~	+
-	*Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Dr. Philips will issue a letter to all interested professional employees that outlines the application of the Professional Employees Collaborative Conferencing Act (PECCA) to rights enjoyed by all teachers, including those who are members of SCEA.	+
-	* SCEA will be given the non-exclusive opportunity to sponsor a breakfast and have a presence at the annual new teacher orientation;	+
-	*Consistent with current Board policy which permits non-profit organization like United Way to participate in payroll deductions, the SCEA will likewise be allowed payroll deductions for dues once the SCEA has established to the Director of Schools that it is a non-profit organization having a 501(c)(3) tax status with the IRS;	+
-	*The parties further agreed to develop an “opt-in” program which would permit teachers who wish to receive e-mails directly from SECA to receive them through the Central Office;	+
-	*In order to foster better communications with its professional employees, the Director of Schools will participate in quarterly meetings with all professional employees, including SCEA members, to discuss general educational subjects, as well as, other subjects that may be of concern to teachers; and	+
-	*Finally, in order to bring about an expeditious resolution of this financially draining litigation, the Board agreed to pay a portion of SCEA attorney’s fees in the sum of $50,000.00.	+
-		+
-	~~The Board, as well as, the Director are pleased that they were successful in resolving this matter in a way that fully supports all of Sumner County School’s teachers while continuing their mission~~ of ~~educating students through engaging minds, developing character, and preparing graduates for their future.~~	+

-	==The good==	+	===The good===
	*Tax revenues are available and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/images/stories/budget/2011-12_adopted_budget.pdf Taxes]</ref>		*Tax revenues are available and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/images/stories/budget/2011-12_adopted_budget.pdf Taxes]</ref>
	*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/images/stories/budget/2011-12_adopted_budget.pdf Current budget]</ref>		*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/images/stories/budget/2011-12_adopted_budget.pdf Current budget]</ref>
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	*Rumor watch is an excellent resource.<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=225&Itemid=343 Rumor Watch]</ref>		*Rumor watch is an excellent resource.<ref>[http://www.sumnerschools.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=225&Itemid=343 Rumor Watch]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*Archived budgets are unavailable.		*Archived budgets are unavailable.
	*Teacher contracts with state/district are unavailable.		*Teacher contracts with state/district are unavailable.
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	\| David Brown \|\| District 11		\| David Brown \|\| District 11
	\|}		\|}
		+
		+	==SCEA Litigation==
		+	SUMNER COUNTY AGREES TO RESOLUTION WITH THE SUMNER COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
		+	The Sumner County Board of Education is pleased to announce that it has reached an amicable resolution of the Federal litigation with the Sumner County Education Association (SCEA). The Board approved the mediated agreement negotiated by the Director of Schools, Board representatives, and representatives of SCEA during its April 17, 2012 meeting. The agreement is consistent with existing Board policy and is designed to continue the Board’s support of our teachers.
		+	The following were agreed upon by the Sumner County Schools Board of Education and the Sumner County Education Association:
		+	*Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Dr. Philips will issue a letter to all interested professional employees that outlines the application of the Professional Employees Collaborative Conferencing Act (PECCA) to rights enjoyed by all teachers, including those who are members of SCEA.
		+	* SCEA will be given the non-exclusive opportunity to sponsor a breakfast and have a presence at the annual new teacher orientation;
		+	*Consistent with current Board policy which permits non-profit organization like United Way to participate in payroll deductions, the SCEA will likewise be allowed payroll deductions for dues once the SCEA has established to the Director of Schools that it is a non-profit organization having a 501(c)(3) tax status with the IRS;
		+	*The parties further agreed to develop an “opt-in” program which would permit teachers who wish to receive e-mails directly from SECA to receive them through the Central Office;
		+	*In order to foster better communications with its professional employees, the Director of Schools will participate in quarterly meetings with all professional employees, including SCEA members, to discuss general educational subjects, as well as, other subjects that may be of concern to teachers; and
		+	*Finally, in order to bring about an expeditious resolution of this financially draining litigation, the Board agreed to pay a portion of SCEA attorney’s fees in the sum of $50,000.00.
		+
		+	The Board, as well as, the Director are pleased that they were successful in resolving this matter in a way that fully supports all of Sumner County School’s teachers while continuing their mission of educating students through engaging minds, developing character, and preparing graduates for their future.

	==Administrative Officials==		==Administrative Officials==

Montgomery County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:45:54Z

References:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Clarksville-Montgomery County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]], serving a population of over 147,000 people. It is the seventh largest district in TN, with 36 schools—1 K-5 Magnet school, 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 7 high schools, and one Middle college—serving approximately 29,800 students. The district employs about 3900 teachers, administrators and support staff.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarksville-Montgomery_County_School_System CMSD facts]</ref>		{{TOCnestright}}'''Clarksville-Montgomery County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]], serving a population of over 147,000 people. It is the seventh largest district in TN, with 36 schools—1 K-5 Magnet school, 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 7 high schools, and one Middle college—serving approximately 29,800 students. The district employs about 3900 teachers, administrators and support staff.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarksville-Montgomery_County_School_System CMSD facts]</ref>

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*Tax revenues are available and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.cmcss.net/documents/2012/budget.pdf Tax revenue and rates]</ref>		*Tax revenues are available and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.cmcss.net/documents/2012/budget.pdf Tax revenue and rates]</ref>
	*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.cmcss.net/aboutus/budgetinfo.aspx Current budget]</ref> and previous budgets are available for the last three years through search.		*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.cmcss.net/aboutus/budgetinfo.aspx Current budget]</ref> and previous budgets are available for the last three years through search.
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	*Academic reports are available for standard testing <ref>[http://www.state.tn.us/education/reportcard/ Academic report card]</ref> and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:50:2798351715565395::NO Graduation rates]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing <ref>[http://www.state.tn.us/education/reportcard/ Academic report card]</ref> and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:50:2798351715565395::NO Graduation rates]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*The audit policy is available, but current and archived audits are not published.		*The audit policy is available, but current and archived audits are not published.
	*Budget presentation content is excellent, but must search for each individual budget.		*Budget presentation content is excellent, but must search for each individual budget.
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	[[Category:Rated Tennessee school districts]]		[[Category:Rated Tennessee school districts]]
	[[Category:Tennessee school districts]]		[[Category:Tennessee school districts]]
		+	[[Category:rating 9]]

Williamson County School District, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:42:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 16 May 2012
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	Three district high schools were ranked in Newsweek magazine’s list of the top 1,000 public schools in the United States.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamson_County_Schools WCSD facts]</ref>		Three district high schools were ranked in Newsweek magazine’s list of the top 1,000 public schools in the United States.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamson_County_Schools WCSD facts]</ref>

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*Tax revenues are available<ref>[http://www.wcs.edu/admin/budget/budget_charts.htm Tax revenue]</ref> and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/index.aspx?NID=65 Tax rates]</ref>		*Tax revenues are available<ref>[http://www.wcs.edu/admin/budget/budget_charts.htm Tax revenue]</ref> and tax rates are published<ref>[http://www.williamsoncounty-tn.gov/index.aspx?NID=65 Tax rates]</ref>
	*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.wcs.edu/admin/budget/budget_charts.htm Budget]</ref>		*The current budget is published<ref>[http://www.wcs.edu/admin/budget/budget_charts.htm Budget]</ref>
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	*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.wcs.edu/report_card.htm Academic reports]</ref>		*Academic reports are available for standard testing and graduation rates are posted<ref>[http://www.wcs.edu/report_card.htm Academic reports]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*Board member contact information does not include physical address and telephone numbers.		*Board member contact information does not include physical address and telephone numbers.
	*Budget archives are unavailable.		*Budget archives are unavailable.

Jackson-Madison Consolidated Schools, Tennessee

2012-05-16T17:42:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 16 May 2012
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	{{TOCnestright}}'''Jackson-Madison County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. The district has 28 schools, including 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 magnet high school, a medical technology school and a learning center.<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/?PN=Schools2 JMCSD schools]</ref>		{{TOCnestright}}'''Jackson-Madison County School District ''' is in [[Tennessee]]. The district has 28 schools, including 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 magnet high school, a medical technology school and a learning center.<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/?PN=Schools2 JMCSD schools]</ref>

-	==The good==	+	==Website evaluation==
		+	{{main\|Evaluation of Tennessee school district websites}}
		+
		+	===The good===
	*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/?PN=Calendar Calendar]</ref> is available, meeting agendas and minutes<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=MeetingSchedule&L=1&DivisionID=3868&LMID=145179&ToggleSideNav=ShowAll Meetings and agendas]</ref> are available, and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN='MeetingSchedule'&DivisionID='3868'&DepartmentID=''&SubDepartmentID=''&DisplayType='Archives' Archives]</ref>		*The calendar of Board meetings<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/?PN=Calendar Calendar]</ref> is available, meeting agendas and minutes<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=MeetingSchedule&L=1&DivisionID=3868&LMID=145179&ToggleSideNav=ShowAll Meetings and agendas]</ref> are available, and archived at least three years<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN='MeetingSchedule'&DivisionID='3868'&DepartmentID=''&SubDepartmentID=''&DisplayType='Archives' Archives]</ref>
	*Names of Board officials, email forms, and individual phone numbers are available<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=BoardMembers&SubP=Board&DivisionID=3868&DepartmentID=0&SubDepartmentID=0&StaffID='13597'http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=BoardMembers&SubP=Board&DivisionID=3868&DepartmentID=0&SubDepartmentID=0&StaffID='13597' Board members]</ref>		*Names of Board officials, email forms, and individual phone numbers are available<ref>[http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=BoardMembers&SubP=Board&DivisionID=3868&DepartmentID=0&SubDepartmentID=0&StaffID='13597'http://www.jmcss.org/Default.asp?PN=BoardMembers&SubP=Board&DivisionID=3868&DepartmentID=0&SubDepartmentID=0&StaffID='13597' Board members]</ref>
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	*Background check policy is available.<ref>[http://www.boardpolicy.net/documents/detail.asp?iFile=5377&iType=5&iBoard=15 Background policy]</ref>		*Background check policy is available.<ref>[http://www.boardpolicy.net/documents/detail.asp?iFile=5377&iType=5&iBoard=15 Background policy]</ref>

-	==The bad==	+	===The bad===
	*Board members do not have individual email addresses, only contact forms, and the members do not have a physical address published.		*Board members do not have individual email addresses, only contact forms, and the members do not have a physical address published.
	*A search of “budget” and “finance” did not generate results relating to a district budget and the operations/financial documents and forms do not include budget information.		*A search of “budget” and “finance” did not generate results relating to a district budget and the operations/financial documents and forms do not include budget information.
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	{{Tennessee schools}}		{{Tennessee schools}}
	{{Tennessee}}		{{Tennessee}}
-	[[category:~~starter class~~ Tennessee school districts]]	+	[[category:rated Tennessee school districts]]
	[[category:Tennessee school districts]]		[[category:Tennessee school districts]]

Tennessee school districts

2012-05-16T17:33:17Z

Show changes

Maine state budget

2012-05-16T17:15:34Z

Fiscal Year 2012-13:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 16 May 2012
Line 28:		Line 28:
	The 540 page FY2012-13 budget can be found [http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billpdfs/HP077801.pdf here].		The 540 page FY2012-13 budget can be found [http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billpdfs/HP077801.pdf here].

-	Legislators addressed a gap of more than $80 million that remained in the state's ~~Medicaid~~ budget when they passed a supplemental budget on May 15, 2012.<ref name=may>[http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Gov-LePage-signs-budget.html The Morning Sentinel "Gov. LePage signs state budget" May 16, 2012]</ref> Gov. LePage signed the revised budget on May 16, 2012.<ref name=may/> Highlight of the revised budget include:	+	Legislators addressed a gap of more than $83 million gap through June 30, 2013, that remained in the state's Department of Health and Human Services' budget when they passed a supplemental budget on May 15, 2012.<ref name=may>[http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Gov-LePage-signs-budget.html The Morning Sentinel "Gov. LePage signs state budget" May 16, 2012]</ref> Gov. LePage signed the revised budget on May 16, 2012.<ref name=may/> Highlight of the revised budget include:
	*elimination of health care coverage for more than 20,000 people;<ref name=may/>		*elimination of health care coverage for more than 20,000 people;<ref name=may/>
	* cuts to prescription drug coverage for senior citizens;<ref name=may/>		* cuts to prescription drug coverage for senior citizens;<ref name=may/>

Tennessee school districts

2012-05-16T17:14:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:14, 16 May 2012
Line 7:		Line 7:
	\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''# Students'''		\| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''# Students'''
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Alamo\|\|546	+	\| [[Alamo City Schools, Tennessee\|Alamo]] \|\|546
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Alcoa\|\|1546	+	\| [[Alcoa City Schools, Tennessee\|Alcoa]]\|\|1546
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Anderson County\|\|6723	+	\| [[Anderson County Schools, Tennessee\|Anderson County]]\|\|6723
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Athens\|\|1799	+	\| [[Athens City Elementary Schools, Tennessee\|Athens]]\|\|1799
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Bedford County\|\|7391	+	\| [[Bedford County Schools, Tennessee\|Bedford County]]\|\|7391
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Bells\|\|430	+	\| [[Bells City Schools, Tennessee\|Bells]]\|\|430
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Benton County\|\|3163	+	\| [[Benton County Schools, Tennessee\|Benton County]]\|\|3163
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Bledsoe County\|\|2007	+	\| [[Bledsoe County Schools, Tennessee\|Bledsoe County]]\|\|2007
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Blount County\|\|11446	+	\| [[Blount County Schools, Tennessee\|Blount County]]\|\|11446
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Bradford\|\|634	+	\| [[Bradford Special Schools, Tennessee\|Bradford]]\|\|634
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Bradley County\|\|9691	+	\| [[Bradley County Schools, Tennessee\|Bradley County]]\|\|9691
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Bristol\|\|3861	+	\| [[Bristol City Schools, Tennessee\|Bristol]]\|\|3861
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Campbell County\|\|5255	+	\| [[Campbell County Schools, Tennessee\|Campbell County]]\|\|5255
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Cannon County\|\|2205	+	\| [[Cannon County Schools, Tennessee\|Cannon County Schools, Tennessee\|Cannon County]]\|\|2205
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Carroll County\|\|282	+	\| [[Carroll County Schools, Tennessee\|Carroll County]]\|\|282
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Carter County\|\|6105	+	\| [[Carter County Schools, Tennessee\|Carter County]]\|\|6105
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Cheatham County\|\|7284	+	\| [[Cheatham County Schools, Tennessee\|Cheatham County]]\|\|7284
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Chester County\|\|2551	+	\| [[Chester County School District, Tennessee\|Chester County]]\|\|2551
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Claiborne County\|\|4959	+	\| [[Claiborne County Schools, Tennessee\|Claiborne County]]\|\|4959
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Clay County\|\|1176	+	\| [[Clay County Schools, Tennessee\|Clay County]]\|\|1176
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Cleveland\|\|4518	+	\| [[Cleveland City Schools, Tennessee\|Cleveland]]\|\|4518
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Clinton\|\|856	+	\| [[Clinton City Schools, Tennessee\|Clinton]]\|\|856
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Cocke County\|\|4769	+	\| [[Cocke County Schools, Tennessee\|Cocke County]]\|\|4769
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Coffee County\|\|4141	+	\| [[Coffee County Schools, Tennessee\|Coffee County]]\|4141
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Crockett County\|\|1873	+	\| [[Crockett County Schools, Tennessee\|Crockett County]]\|\|1873
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Cumberland County\|\|7337	+	\| [[Cumberland County Schools, Tennessee\|Cumberland County]]\|\|7337
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Nashville-Davidson County School District, Tennessee\|Davidson County]] \|\|71552		\| [[Nashville-Davidson County School District, Tennessee\|Davidson County]] \|\|71552
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Dayton\|\|679	+	\| [[Dayton City Elementary Schools, Tennessee\|Dayton]]\|\|679
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Decatur County\|\|1602	+	\| [[Decatur County Schools, Tennessee\|Decatur County]]\|\|1602
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Dekalb County\|\|2684	+	\| [[Dekalb County Schools, Tennessee\|Dekalb County]]\|\|2684
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Dickson County\|\|8327	+	\| [[Dickson County Schools, Tennessee\|Dickson County]]\|\|8327
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Dyer County\|\|3461	+	\| [[Dyer County Schools, Tennessee\|Dyer County]]\|\|3461
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Dyersburg\|\|3607	+	\| [[Dyersburg City Schools, Tennessee\|Dyersburg]]\|\|3607
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Elizabethton\|\|2076	+	\| [[Elizabethton City Schools, Tennessee\|Elizabethton]]\|\|2076
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Etowah\|\|361	+	\| [[Etowah City Elementary Schools, Tennessee\|Etowah]]\|\|361
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Fayette County\|\|3536	+	\| [[Fayette County Schools, Tennessee\|Fayette County]]\|\|3536
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Fayetteville\|\|1054	+	\| [[Fayetteville City Elementary Schools, Tennessee\|Fayetteville]]\|\|1054
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Fentress County\|\|2277	+	\| [[Fentress County Schools, Tennessee\|Fentress County]]\|\|2277
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Franklin\|\|3911	+	\| [[Franklin City Elementary Schools, Tennessee\|Franklin]]\|\|3911
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Franklin County\|\|5920	+	\| [[Franklin County Schools, Tennessee\|Franklin County]]\|\|5920
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Gibson County Sp District\|\|2882	+	\| [[Gibson Special Schools, Tennessee\|Gibson County Sp District]]\|\|2882
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Giles County\|\|4480	+	\| [[Giles County Schools, Tennessee\|Giles County]]\|\|4480
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Grainger County\|\|3237	+	\| [[Grainger County Schools, Tennessee\|Grainger County]]\|\|3237
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Greene County\|\|7232	+	\| [[Greene County Schools, Tennessee\|Greene County]]\|\|7232
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Greeneville\|\|2753	+	\| [[Greeneville City Schools, Tennessee\|Greeneville]]\|\|2753
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Grundy County\|\|2386	+	\| [[Grundy County Schools, Tennessee\|Grundy County]]\|\|2386
	\|-		\|-
-	\| H Rock Bruceton\|\|760	+	\| [[Hollow Rock-Bruceton Schools, Tennessee\|Hollow Rock-Bruceton Schools]] \|\|760
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Hamblen County\|\|9583	+	\| [[Hamblen County Schools, Tennessee\|Hamblen County]]\|\|9583
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Hamilton County School District, Tennessee\|Hamilton County]]\|\|40703		\| [[Hamilton County School District, Tennessee\|Hamilton County]]\|\|40703
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Hancock County\|\|965	+	\| [[Hancock County Schools, Tennessee\|Hancock County]]\|\|965
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Hardeman County\|\|4429	+	\| [[Hardeman County Schools, Tennessee\|Hardeman County]]\|\|4429
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Hardin County\|\|3895	+	\| [[Hardin County Schools, Tennessee\|Hardin County]]\|\|3895
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Hawkins County\|\|7630	+	\| [[Hawkins County Schools, Tennessee\|Hawkins County]]\|\|7630
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Haywood County\|\|3785	+	\| [[Haywood County Schools, Tennessee\|Haywood County]]\|\|3785
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Henderson County\|\|3680	+	\| [[Henderson County Schools, Tennessee\|Henderson County]]\|\|3680
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Henry County\|\|3339	+	\| [[Henry County Schools, Tennessee\|Henry County]]\|\|3339
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Hickman County\|\|3948	+	\| [[Hickman County Schools, Tennessee\|Hickman County]]\|\|3948
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Houston County\|\|1521	+	\| [[Houston County Schools, Tennessee\|Houston County]]\|\|1521
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Humboldt\|\|1497	+	\| [[Humboldt City Schools, Tennessee\|Humboldt]]\|\|1497
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Humphreys County\|\|3086	+	\| [[Humphreys County Schools, Tennessee\|Humphreys County]]\|\|3086
	\|-		\|-
-	\| Huntingdon\|\|1269	+	\| [[Huntingdon Special Schools, Tennessee\|Huntingdon]]\|\|1269
	\|-		\|-
	\| Jackson County\|\|1689		\| Jackson County\|\|1689

Maine state budget

2012-05-16T17:12:57Z

Fiscal Year 2012-13:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 16 May 2012
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	On June 20, 2011, Gov. [[Ballotpedia:Paul LePage\|Paul LePage]] signed the $6.1 billion state budget for FY2012-13 into law. The governor said that he appreciated the tax cuts in the budget, but added that he believed that the cuts would be insufficient in the long run. He said that further spending cuts will be needed, perhaps as soon as the January 2012 legislative session.<ref name=signs>[http://bangordailynews.com/2011/06/20/health/lepage-signs-6-1-billion-two-year-maine-budget/?ref=mostReadBox The Bangor Daily News "LePage signs budget but says it only does half the job" June 20, 2011]</ref> The governor had initially wanted $203 milion in cuts, but the legislator made just $150 million in tax cuts.<ref name=ok>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9NT0S780.htm Businessweek "House, Senate OK Maine's $6.1 billion budget" June 16, 2011]</ref>		On June 20, 2011, Gov. [[Ballotpedia:Paul LePage\|Paul LePage]] signed the $6.1 billion state budget for FY2012-13 into law. The governor said that he appreciated the tax cuts in the budget, but added that he believed that the cuts would be insufficient in the long run. He said that further spending cuts will be needed, perhaps as soon as the January 2012 legislative session.<ref name=signs>[http://bangordailynews.com/2011/06/20/health/lepage-signs-6-1-billion-two-year-maine-budget/?ref=mostReadBox The Bangor Daily News "LePage signs budget but says it only does half the job" June 20, 2011]</ref> The governor had initially wanted $203 milion in cuts, but the legislator made just $150 million in tax cuts.<ref name=ok>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9NT0S780.htm Businessweek "House, Senate OK Maine's $6.1 billion budget" June 16, 2011]</ref>

-	The 540 page FY2012-13 budget can be found [http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billpdfs/HP077801.pdf here].	+	The 540 page FY2012-13 budget can be found [http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billpdfs/HP077801.pdf here].

-	Legislators ~~must address~~ a gap of more than $80 million in the state's Medicaid budget when ~~returning from recess~~ May 15, 2012~~. They must also agree on a plan to cut state expenses for general assistance, Maine's all-purpose welfare program run by municipalities~~.<ref>[http://www.~~businessweek~~.com/ap/~~2012~~-~~04/D9UBGBPO1~~.~~htm Businessweek~~ "~~Maine governor~~ signs budget ~~balancing bill~~" ~~April 24~~, 2012]</ref>	+	Legislators addressed a gap of more than $80 million that remained in the state's Medicaid budget when they passed a supplemental budget on May 15, 2012.<ref name=may>[http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Gov-LePage-signs-budget.html The Morning Sentinel "Gov. LePage signs state budget" May 16, 2012]</ref> Gov. LePage signed the revised budget on May 16, 2012.<ref name=may/> Highlight of the revised budget include:
		+	*elimination of health care coverage for more than 20,000 people;<ref name=may/>
		+	* cuts to prescription drug coverage for senior citizens;<ref name=may/>
		+	* reduction of funding for Head Start.<ref name=may/>

	'''Supplemental Budget'''		'''Supplemental Budget'''

California public pensions

2012-05-16T17:07:51Z

Stanford Study of State Pension Liabilities:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 16 May 2012
(One intermediate revision not shown)
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	Until UC and its employees together contribute enough to cover the annual increase in cost for active members, about 17 percent of pay, the pension program’s current $14 billion unfunded liability will grow, adding to the pressures on UC’s operating budget, according to the board of regents. <ref> [http://ucrpfuture.universityofcalifornia.edu/news-updates/uc-retirement-plan-contributions-increasing-july-1/ UCRP Future, UC Retirement Plan contributions increasing July 1, May 23, 2011] </ref>		Until UC and its employees together contribute enough to cover the annual increase in cost for active members, about 17 percent of pay, the pension program’s current $14 billion unfunded liability will grow, adding to the pressures on UC’s operating budget, according to the board of regents. <ref> [http://ucrpfuture.universityofcalifornia.edu/news-updates/uc-retirement-plan-contributions-increasing-july-1/ UCRP Future, UC Retirement Plan contributions increasing July 1, May 23, 2011] </ref>

-	==Pension Reform==	+	==State Pension Reform==
	* See sample [[proactive disclosure\|transparency]] legislation at the [http://www.sunshinestandard.org Sunshine Standard]		* See sample [[proactive disclosure\|transparency]] legislation at the [http://www.sunshinestandard.org Sunshine Standard]
	During recent [[California state budget\|state budget]] negotiations, the legislature agreed to increase the age limit for public pensions, spiking prevention by using a rolling formulation of three to five years, and addressed the unrealistic growth predictions previously used.<ref>[http://www.calwatchdog.com/2010/10/04/proposed-pension-reform-in-budget/ ''Cal Watch'', NEW: Proposed pension reform in budget, Oct. 4, 2010]</ref>		During recent [[California state budget\|state budget]] negotiations, the legislature agreed to increase the age limit for public pensions, spiking prevention by using a rolling formulation of three to five years, and addressed the unrealistic growth predictions previously used.<ref>[http://www.calwatchdog.com/2010/10/04/proposed-pension-reform-in-budget/ ''Cal Watch'', NEW: Proposed pension reform in budget, Oct. 4, 2010]</ref>
Line 272:		Line 272:
	The report says CalPERS must earn a 9 percent return annually for the next 16 years to achieve 80 percent funding levels. <ref> [http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation_Statewide_Report.pdf/ SIEPR Stanford University, Pension Math: How California's Retirement Spending is Squeezing the State Budget, Dec. 13, 2011] </ref>		The report says CalPERS must earn a 9 percent return annually for the next 16 years to achieve 80 percent funding levels. <ref> [http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation_Statewide_Report.pdf/ SIEPR Stanford University, Pension Math: How California's Retirement Spending is Squeezing the State Budget, Dec. 13, 2011] </ref>

-	If California lawmakers do not address pension reform, the report's author says state spending on pensions is likely to increase from $4.8 billion in 2011-2012 to $14.6 billion in a few years. That increased spending on pensions is virtually certain to continue to crowd out non-pension spending, including education and social services. <ref> [http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation_Statewide_Report.pdf/ SIEPR Stanford University, Pension Math: How California's Retirement Spending is Squeezing the State Budget, Dec. 13, 2011] </ref>	+	If California lawmakers do not address pension reform, the report's author says state spending on pensions is likely to increase from $4.8 billion in 2011-2012 to $14.6 billion in a few years. That increased spending on pensions is virtually certain to continue to crowd out non-pension spending, including education and social services. <ref> [http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation_Statewide_Report.pdf/ SIEPR Stanford University, Pension Math: How California's Retirement Spending is Squeezing the State Budget, Dec. 13, 2011] </ref> The report says solutions to the pension crisis include revenue increases and reforms to public employee pension systems. Revenue increases are unlikely to be approved absent pension reforms. Required pension system reforms include benefit reductions, such as prospective reductions for current employees, greater cost sharing, and governance reforms, particularly changes in pension system accounting methods and assumptions. <ref> [http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation_Statewide_Report.pdf/ SIEPR Stanford University, Pension Math: How California's Retirement Spending is Squeezing the State Budget, Dec. 13, 2011] </ref>
-		+
-	The report~~'s author~~ says solutions to the pension crisis include revenue increases and reforms to public employee pension systems. Revenue increases are unlikely to be approved absent pension reforms. Required pension system reforms include benefit reductions, such as prospective reductions for current employees, greater cost sharing, and governance reforms, particularly changes in pension system accounting methods and assumptions. <ref> [http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation_Statewide_Report.pdf/ SIEPR Stanford University, Pension Math: How California's Retirement Spending is Squeezing the State Budget, Dec. 13, 2011] </ref>	+

	===Capping Pensions===		===Capping Pensions===

Tennessee school districts

2012-05-16T16:55:21Z

External links:

Show changes

Ohio public pensions

2012-05-16T16:43:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 16 May 2012
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	====School Employees Retirement System====		====School Employees Retirement System====
	SERS members are bus drivers, custodians, administrators, administrative assistants, food service providers, and educational aides – anyone who works for a school or school system in a nonteaching position.		SERS members are bus drivers, custodians, administrators, administrative assistants, food service providers, and educational aides – anyone who works for a school or school system in a nonteaching position.
-

	{\|class=wikitable		{\|class=wikitable
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	\|}		\|}

-	==Funds Seeking Increases==	+	==Pension Reforms==
		+	Changes to the state's pension plans are needed to shore up long term financial obligations, pension officials said. Bills before the Ohio legislature would require active teachers to contribute 14 percent of their pre-tax income to the retirement plan, up from the current 10 percent. A teacher making $60,000 would have to plan for $2,400 per year less once the change was fully phased in. Employees of city or county governments would need to work 32 years instead of 30 to retire at age 55, and with only five years’ service, an employee would have to wait until age 67 to retire. <ref> [http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/changes-to-public-employee-pensions-the-most-sweeping-in-state-history-1374749.html/ Springfield News Sun, Changes to public employee pensions the most sweeping in state history, May 12, 2012] </ref> Under the new Ohio proposals, police and fire employees would have to contribute more money to their retirement, with the increase from 10 percent to 12.25 percent phased in over three years. That’s an impact of $1,000 to $2,000 per year for most officers.<ref> [http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/changes-to-public-employee-pensions-the-most-sweeping-in-state-history-1374749.html/ Springfield News Sun, Changes to public employee pensions the most sweeping in state history, May 12, 2012] </ref>
		+
		+	Without changes, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System would slash its annual spending on retiree health care to $500 million, from $1.6 billion, beginning in 2014, said OPERS Executive Director Karen Carraher. <ref> [http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/changes-to-public-employee-pensions-the-most-sweeping-in-state-history-1374749.html/ Springfield News Sun, Changes to public employee pensions the most sweeping in state history, May 12, 2012] </ref>
		+
		+	====Funds Seeking Increases====
	The Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund has submitted a plan to the Ohio General Assembly that will strengthen its long-term funding status without the use of any additional taxpayer dollars.		The Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund has submitted a plan to the Ohio General Assembly that will strengthen its long-term funding status without the use of any additional taxpayer dollars.

Hawaii state budget

2012-05-16T16:21:01Z

Budget transparency:

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 16 May 2012
Line 91:		Line 91:

	Labor costs account for about 70 percent of Hawaii’s state government spending. The Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest government employee union, tentatively accepted a salary reduction of 5% and reductions of retirement perks. The agreement is an improvement over the prior two years, when state employees took a 10% salary reduction and two monthly furlough days. Unlike in other states, there are no efforts to curb the collective bargaining rights of unions in Hawaii.<Ref>[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/119996994.html The Honolulu Star Advertiser "Unions tested even in labor-friendly Hawaii" April 16, 2011]</ref>		Labor costs account for about 70 percent of Hawaii’s state government spending. The Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest government employee union, tentatively accepted a salary reduction of 5% and reductions of retirement perks. The agreement is an improvement over the prior two years, when state employees took a 10% salary reduction and two monthly furlough days. Unlike in other states, there are no efforts to curb the collective bargaining rights of unions in Hawaii.<Ref>[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/119996994.html The Honolulu Star Advertiser "Unions tested even in labor-friendly Hawaii" April 16, 2011]</ref>
-
-	~~==Budget transparency==~~
-	~~:: ''See also: [[Evaluation of Hawaii state website]] or find sample [[proactive disclosure\|transparency]] legislation at the [http://www.sunshinestandard.org Sunshine Standard]''~~
-
-	~~===Budget review period===~~
-
-	~~:: ''See also: [[Constitutional provisions regarding reading of bills]]''~~
-
-	[http://hawaii.gov/lrb/con/conart3.html Article 3, Section 15] of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii requires a 48-hour review period before any bill, including a budget bill, can be voted on for final passage.
-
-	~~===Government tools===~~
-
-	~~The following table is helpful in evaluating the level of transparency provided by a state spending and transparency database:~~
-
-	~~{\|style="width:100%" class=wikitable~~
-	~~\|+ '''Criteria for evaluating spending databases'''~~
-	!State Database!![[Criteria for evaluating databases\|Searchability]]!![[Criteria for evaluating databases\|Grants]]!![[Criteria for evaluating databases\|Contracts]]!![[Criteria for evaluating databases\|Line Item Expenditures]]!![[Criteria for evaluating databases\|Dept/Agency Budgets]]!![[Criteria for evaluating databases\|Public Employee Salary]]
-	\|-
-	~~\|align=center\|[http://www.spo.hawaii.gov/ State Procurement Office]\|\|{{yes}}\|\|{{no}}\|\|{{yes}}\|\|{{no}}\|\|{{no}}\|\|{{no}}~~
-	\|}
-
-	*Contracts are searchable.<ref>[http://hawaii.gov/spo2/source/search_form.php Contracts Search]</ref>

	==FY 2011 State Budget==		==FY 2011 State Budget==

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 16 May 2012
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-	{{~~City~~ transparency checklist \|	+	{{County transparency checklist \|
	Rating = {{Rating7}} \|		Rating = {{Rating7}} \|
	Budget = {{Yes}} \|		Budget = {{Yes}} \|