David Finlayson - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 7

From:
david@davidfinlayson.ca

To:
darce@eastlink.ca

Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:03 PM

Subject: RE: Right to Know

I strongly believe in having an open, honest and transparent school board. To be truly accountable to the voters, we need to share the information which helps the HRSB to make any decisions. This will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the thought process behind any significant strategy decisions and a better relationship with stakeholders in the schools and at homes.

I think the informed voter should be able to access this information as it will demonstrate some of the process behind decisions.

David Finlayson - District 7

david@davidfinlayson.ca

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1066.html

http://www.davidfinlayson.ca/

Rob Clark - Halifax Regional School Board - School District 7

From:
Rob Clark

To:
Darce Fardy

Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 7:41 PM

Subject: Re: Right to Know

I too am very keen on government openness, and as a citizen I strive toward it. I have sent a few emails at the behest of the Electronic Freedom Foundation over the years to federal ministers, for example. The latest, for example, was a protest of the proposed Canadian Copyright Act, to Minister Jim Prentice.

Thus, I fully support your mission. I do understand, however, that there may be occasion where secrecy is expected - staffing issues, etc. In addition, there may be bylaws of the board that force inappropriate secrecy - I pledge to do my best to rationalize those bylaws. Additionally, I'm not fully informed yet, but as a strong believer in accountability and transparency, I will strive to 'adjust the tone' to the appropriate level.

I also appreciate that lack of public engagement is linked to levels of secrecy. Only an informed public can truly be engaged, and we need more engagement. I applaud your mission, as it is also my own…

Rob Clark

robclark200@gmail.com

http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1076.html

http://rob.clark4.me/