It’s time for release of Central Greene federal settlement
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant.”
That’s a well-known expression when it comes to openness and honesty in many aspects of life, especially in government regarding the public’s ability to access meetings and documents.
But Central Greene School District has been somewhat secretive in how it operates.
There is little known about how the school board is making plans to consolidate its middle school into the main campus, or the reasons behind a recent decision not to extend the contract of Superintendent Brian Uplinger.
One topic, though, has been especially troublesome for the school district.
The federal settlement between Central Greene School District and Danielle Golden, a special education teacher who accused former high school principal David Mason of coercing her into a sexual relationship, has been withheld from the public since it was approved in February.
The Observer-Reporter made repeated attempts in February and March to obtain the settlement.
Although the district’s insurer paid the settlement, taxpayers could be footing a portion of that bill in the form of higher insurance rates or even the loss of that insurance company.
The newspaper made a formal right-to-know request in April, and the district asked for a 30-day extension to review the legality of releasing the settlement. It failed to respond within that timeframe, however, effectively denying the request.
The newspaper appealed that decision – or lack thereof – to the state Office of Open Records, which reviewed the matter for 60 days before ruling July 21 that the documents are indeed public records and must be released. The district now has until Aug. 21 to comply with the order and release the settlement or appeal the office’s decision in Greene County Court.
An appeal would just waste more taxpayer money, especially if the district continues to work with the Pittsburgh attorney hired to fight the legal challenge. The state has ruled the records should be public, so why would there be any need for the district to continue to withhold the documents?
Board President Andrew Corfont said following the Office of Open Records’ decision that the school board still hasn’t reviewed the details of the settlement. Why would the school board that fired Mason for his conduct not be interested in seeing what its insurer approved?
Whatever the reason is for the school board not to review its own settlement is no reason why it shouldn’t let the public see it. Taxpayers have every right to see it. Any delay will just waste more time and cost more money.
It’s time for Central Greene School District to let the sun shine in.