Transparency index aims to keep Idaho public schools accountable to citizens, educational stakeholders

A think tank has published “the nation’s first Public School Transparency Index” – a crucial step in helping Idaho taxpayers and lawmakers navigate core educational data, the nonprofit argues.

“Transparency doesn’t mean much if it’s not understandable,” writes Chris Cargill, president of Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC).

“Parents and taxpayers may see this data and conclude their school districts need more resources. Others may see it and believe that not enough is being done to spend money in the classroom. Regardless, the community will have a broader sense of the results being achieved, and what – if any – changes need to be made.”

Initial findings belie common school stereotypes

The center’s key findings from its first edition of the index undermine frequent perceptions of public schools unable to provide a quality education without sufficient funding.

“There is no correlation between higher district spending and student outcomes in the district,” the nonprofit concluded, noting only seven Idaho school districts had “resources of less than $10,000 per student, per year.”

Meanwhile, at least 17 state superintendents were receiving an annual salary higher than Gov. Brad Little’s of $151,400, according to MSPC.

Idaho has already taken steps to increase government data accessibility over the years through its state controller’s office website, “Transparent Idaho.”

“The public being able to track and trace and understand where the taxpayers’ money is being spent can go a long way to helping set the right types of policy and making good policy decisions,” State Controller Brandon Woolf told the Idaho Capital Sun.

Even though such information is required to be publicly available, both government workers and citizens often find educational data hard to access, according to MSPC.

“School district budgets are a maze of numbers and jargon that most citizens cannot easily understand. Even lawmakers and some school officials have difficulty concluding if a district is spending money properly, has the resources it needs to be successful, or is making a difference in the educational outcomes of children.”

As a result, the nonprofit calls for school districts to report “six simple things” on the first page of their budget and homepage of their websites.

Such metrics would include total dollars spent annually per student, average administrator and teacher salaries, and ratio of administrators to teachers to students.

“Most districts already have (this data) somewhere in their budget documents,” the center notes. “They know where to look, whereas parents and taxpayers can get lost. In the interest of transparency, school districts should be eager and willing to share this information with the public in a clear, concise manner.” 

The nonprofit plans to make additional index versions for schools in Montana, Washington and Wyoming.