Colorado Spending Transparency

There is no guarantee that voters will reward a transparent government by approving a tax increase.  But it sure is easier for any government to make its case for more money when it has shown taxpayers the respect they deserve by providing detailed financial transparency.  With detailed, online financial transparency, government demonstrates that it wants to be a good steward of precious taxpayer resources.

In a few short weeks, Greeley Evans School District 6 will find out if it will have to pay a political price for resisting transparency and having a one of its board members Bob Stack, along with the rest of the education lobby, testify against the Public School Financial Transparency Act.  The Greeley school district is hoping for a massive property tax increase, ballot measure 3A.  Suddenly, the school district is bragging about its latest efforts at transparency.

In a recent press release, District 6 claims it “is providing more online access to its budget and financial documents and posting easy-to-understand explanations of district funding and how that money is used to educate students.”  While the Greeley school district brags about its latest feature, Money Matters, it’s clear the district either doesn’t know what transparency means or it doesn’t want to provide detailed information.

The information provided on Money Matters is aggregated and without context.  For instance, taxpayers can find out that the school district spent $20,363 on “advertising”, $24,134 on “miscellaneous”, and $18,620 on “other objects,” but they have no idea how those expenditures helped “educate students.” 

Let’s be honest, the District 6 school board and administration are more examples of how taxpayers have to drag government kicking and screaming into transparency.  The only reason they have put anything online is because they want a massive tax increase and “people are talking.” The only thing transparent about District 6 is its reason for suddenly embracing transparency.

District 6 voters can’t expect any help from the local newspaper the Greeley Tribune. In one of a series of op-eds supporting 3A, the newspaper blamed taxpayers, “Residents worried about accountability need to take responsibility. Volunteer for the advisory board. Attend school board meetings. Ask for budget information. Talk with teachers to see if they are getting what they were promised.” 

In other words, if taxpayers want to know how their money is spent, then they will have to take time out of their day to find out.  The school district can’t be bothered with transparency.  It’s too busy spending your money!

What remains to be seen is if voters will see the district’s desire for more money as a teachable moment with the lesson being: No taxation without information.

People interested in helping teach government a lesson can join the Facebook group Citizens Against School Bullies.

Voters interested in finding out more information about the pro 3A side can visit Citizens 4 Strong Schools.

Greeley Evans District Six, the largest Colorado school district ever to be placed on accreditation watch, wants more money.  According to the Greeley Tribune the district is asking for a mill levy override to fund $32 million in various projects. 

With a bad economy, a mill levy override is going to be a tough sell.  But also working against the district is its lack of transparency.  District Six school board member Robert Stack was part of the education lobby that testified against SB 57 the Public School Financial Transparency Act, which was defeated in the House Education Committee.  He did say in testimony that he represented himself and not the entire school board.  However, the Colorado Association of School Boards, which lobbies at the state capitol on behalf of Colorado school boards, actively worked to kill SB 57.

COST’s suggestion to District Six: show respect for stakeholders and taxpayers. Show them how you are spending their money before asking for more. 

Remember No Taxation without Information!