Grayslake school district adding transparency

Grayslake Elementary District 46 will make it easier for the public to see where its money is going, but one board member says he hopes for even greater openness with taxpayers.

Board members Wednesday night voted in favor of District 46's Web site having the names of companies and individuals receiving payments, and the amounts.

However, board member Michael Carbone said the district should let the public see the actual check journal - complete with payment details - instead of the more limited information.

District 46 board President Mary Garcia responded that the payment listings agreed to Wednesday are just a start. She said the board can evaluate the decision and then move toward putting the check register with the extra information online.

"I don't think anyone is against being transparent or putting the check journal online," Garcia said.

District 46 addressed the online check register idea at the request of Joseph Calomino, director of the Americans for Prosperity Illinois chapter. Americans for Prosperity is a self-described bipartisan government watchdog group.

Following Wednesday's vote, District 46 resident Shannon Smigielski questioned whether having a name and dollar amount without detailed explanation for an expenditure will serve much purpose.

If I see (Superintendent) Ellen Correll, $200, that doesn't tell me anything other than Ellen Correll got $200," said Smigielski.

Calomino said District 46 will be providing "very limited" check information.

District 46's chief school business official, Brad Goldstein, said the check information will be posted monthly after board members approve the payments.

Some District 46 residents sought assistance from Americans for Prosperity after the organization hosted an event about rising property taxes in Grayslake in November. Calomino brought the online check register request to District 46 in a letter late last year.