A Daily Globe editorial published in Tuesday's newspaper noted it was Sunshine Week, an observance that stresses the importance of the public's right to know. Meanwhile, at Minnesota's Capitol, legislators are considering multiple bills pertaining to public access.
Perhaps the most important of these bills is HF 2647, which is being considered in light of the recent settlement agreement between officials of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district and the district's former resources director. According to the Minnesota Newspaper Association: "The district agreed to pay her more than $250,000 as part of a severance package, but declined to provide any public explanation as to why the agreement was necessary."
It is not unusual for government entities to come to agreements with high-ranking officials on often-generous severance deals (Such an deal was reached in February with the resignation of Hills-Beaver Creek Superintendent Dave Deragisch). Yet, because of current terms of the Data Practices Act, severance is not regarded as disciplinary action -- and therefore public explanation is unnecessary.
Taxpayers in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district have the right to know more about why they're having to cough up $250,000 -- and Hills-Beaver Creek folks, of course, have that same right. We're hopeful this new bill moves forward.
