District Transparency

Our Commitment to Transparency

Transparency is fundamental to Hanover's standard operations and fully aligns with our S-CAP strategic priorities. A critical component in meeting these priorities is providing stakeholders and the community with access to relevant information and clear interpretation of data.

As we have matured as a district and remained committed to the values that shape how we conduct our work and interact with one another, we have incorporated transparency into the broader compass point of "trust."

We welcome every opportunity to provide access to information. By engaging with our community, we are committed to:

Nurturing trust
Strengthening relationships
Increasing collaboration
Communicating honestly with staff, stakeholders, and the community

As a public entity, our staff and community have the right to examine our decision-making processes and hold our publicly elected board accountable. Transparency prevents corruption and promotes accountability, responsibility, and integrity.

The links below provide access to information and data about which the community should be informed.

Note: Parents and community members who wish to review classroom curriculum may contact the building principal for more information.

Ballotpedia/Sunshine Review Transparency Checklist

The Ballotpedia/Sunshine Review transparency checklist is a 10-point framework of website transparency features that citizens throughout the United States should be able to access when visiting the websites of counties, cities, school districts, and state agencies.

Background

The 10-point transparency checklist was created by Sunshine Review, an organization that believed that while measures like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) helped create more open government, government entities have an additional responsibility to participate in affirmative disclosure. They conducted transparency evaluations to encourage open government—a political doctrine holding that government and state administration should be open at all levels to effective public scrutiny and oversight.

Sunshine Review approached transparency with the philosophy: "if it's there, then it's transparent." To determine checklist items, they surveyed various organizations and compiled the most commonly requested information to create their transparency standards. Their evaluations included 10 basic items that should be addressed and provided on government websites.

The 10-Point Checklist for School Districts

1. Budgets
Annual budget, check registers, and superintendent salary.

2. Open Meeting Laws
Board and committee meeting schedules and agendas, meeting minutes, board policies, and board and administrative contact information.

3. Elected Officials
List of school board president, members, and superintendent.

Board of Education

4. Administrative Officials
Contact information for school district administrative officials.

Information can be found on each department's webpage.

5. Building Permits & Zoning
Not applicable to school districts.

6. Audits
Information about regular financial and performance audits.

Budget Information

7. Contracts
Contracts and bids with unions, vendors, or suppliers, as well as teacher contracts and pay schedules. Includes formal board and union proposals in current negotiations.