DIY data search will save us money
The Freedom of Information Act is an important tool in establishing transparency that allows us to feel confident that our tax dollars are working for us. After reading the “$311 to give no figures” piece, I am hoping this letter might help Mr. Hayhurst to be more thoughtful the next time he makes such a request.
Initially I was struck by the diligence with which the school district handled such a seemingly simple request. Still, in the era of “gotcha” journalism and manipulated statistics it is understandable that all information going to the public needs to be accurate. We’ve created this atmosphere and shouldn’t be shocked that schools have to cover their bases, or that it has a cost.
Just because one can make a FOIA request doesn’t mean that is the right thing to do. I decided to go on the ISBE website and find this information. It took me one search, two mouse clicks and one sort of an Excel document — a grand total of three minutes. My search had a total cost to taxpayers of $0.
As Hayhurst has been requesting such information for years I would encourage him to try this method before using FOIA requests. Were $311 of our tax money really worth not waiting until Oct. 15 to get this information?
Jason Flaks
Geneva