Press shines light on CSD contract

• Editorial: District flunks public records test /Press

The Coeur d’Alene School District’s website includes a database of employment contracts for personnel ranging from administrators to teachers.

But when the contract of former Superintendent Matt Handelman was recently updated to include stipulations on his resignation and two months of consulting work, district officials determined the information was not for public consumption.

“I just shook my head and thought ‘Here they go again,’” said Sen. Mary Souza, R-Coeur d’Alene. “Public agencies do not have it at the top of their head that they are spending public money and the public has the right to know how the money is being spent.”

As part of its reporting for an April 29 story titled, “His job ends…pay doubles,” The Press submitted a public records request for any documents or contracts related to Handleman’s two-month tenure as a consultant with the district. That request was denied by the district, which stated the request is exempt from disclosure under Idaho personnel law/ Keith Cousins , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here .