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Watchdog wants more from Grayslake District 46

Grayslake Elementary District 46's board president says officials will consider increasing the amount of easily accessed spending information they're providing to the public.

Board members in February agreed to start posting on District 46's Web site the names of individuals and companies receiving payments, and the amounts.

Mary Garcia, the board president, said discussion is expected April 28 on whether to post the voluminous check register - complete with business purposes for payments - on the Web site.

Garcia said district officials already were considering posting the register online when they were asked to do so late last year by government watchdog Joseph Calomino, director of the Americans for Prosperity Illinois chapter. She said the board wanted to start slowly with just basic information.

Calomino sent a letter to District 46 officials this week seeking more information with the check journal entries.

"It is clear more needs to be done in order for (District 46) to provide taxpayers with the highest level of transparency in the form of posting an updated checkbook register online," Calomino said.

February and March payments are available on the business office page of District 46's Web site without explanation. Examples of the $1.9 million in March payments include "Marriott Theatre $1,000" and "Briar Street Theatre $11,925."

Garcia said it's understandable if the lack of detail makes some expenses appear questionable to parents or others in the community. She said such would be the case with her if she was not a District 46 insider.

Lyons Township High School District 204 and Cary Elementary District 26 are among the few suburban systems with easy-to-locate updated postings of checks online. Calomino said he wants more schools to embrace the idea.

Garcia said District 46 doesn't have anything to hide, so there is no reason not to provide the check details on its Web site.

Some District 46 residents sought assistance from Americans for Prosperity after the organization hosted an event about rising taxes in Grayslake in November.

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