Has silence replaced accountability at Chandler Unified School District?

Rod Wielkie

Submitted photo/Rod Wielkie

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OPINION — Public schools often talk about transparency.

But transparency is more than answering the phone or acknowledging that a public records request was received. It means giving citizens real answers to reasonable questions.

Recently, I became curious why Chandler Unified School District asks job applicants whether they are veterans. Is that information used to provide any benefit or consideration to those who have served our country, or is it simply collected and filed away?

To find out, I filed a public records request, asking for any policies, procedures, guidance or other records explaining how veteran status is used in the hiring process.

The district’s response was brief: “There are no records responsive to this request.”

Thinking my request might have been misunderstood, I followed up. I asked whether veteran status provides any preference or consideration in hiring, and why the district collects the information if it serves no practical purpose.

I received no response.

That should concern more than just one applicant or one veteran. Public agencies should not simply close requests and move on. They should help citizens understand how government works. If no records exist, say so plainly and explain why. If policies exist, make them available.

The Governing Board has a responsibility to make sure district administration is responsive to the public. Accountability is not measured by mission statements or public presentations. It is measured by a willingness to answer legitimate questions openly and honestly.

Public trust is built one answer at a time. When reasonable questions are met with silence, confidence in public institutions suffers.

The citizens of Chandler deserve answers — not unanswered emails.

Rod Wielkie is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired federal law enforcement officer and former Arizona public school teacher. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.