Sachem.edu Earns C- Grade from Sunshine Review

This week Sunshine Review, a nonprofit, pro-transparency organization, released its state transparency analysis for New York’s government websites and for the ten largest school districts in the state, including Sachem.

They graded on a 10-point transparency checklist, and the ten largest school districts earned a “C-.” Sachem received a C- as well. The state received a "B-" as a whole.

“New York’s ‘B-‘ may be acceptable to some but anything less than an ‘A+’ is a disservice to the taxpayers,” said Michael Barnhart, President of Sunshine Review, said in a statement. “New York’s school grade is one of the lowest grades we have seen to date. Rapid improvements must be made to shine light on New York State’s government.”

According to the company, Sunshine Review’s state rankings are based on content available on government websites against what should be provided. 

According to the company, the good:

• An online tax calculator calculates a resident's tax bill funding the District.
• Budget documents are available.
• Board of Education meeting meeting dates, agendas, and minutes are posted.
• Email addresses are provided for elected officials.
• Administrative officials' contact information is available.
• Fingerprint and background check information is posted.

According to the company, the bad:

• Telephone contact information is not provided for elected officials.
• Teacher contracts are not available.
• Purchasing contracts are not posted.
• District audit documents are not available.
• There is no information posted regarding public records requests.
• Academic performance information is not provided.