Des Moines Public Schools keeps taxpayers in the dark

School boards erode the trust and confidence of their constituents each time they push aside openness and accountability and choose to shroud controversies with secrecy. Guest columnist

As Iowans headed to the polls Nov. 4 to elect local school board members, they faced an issue beyond the usual ones of taxes, student achievement, teacher pay, curriculum and enrollment.

This year, school board and administrators’ performance and trustworthiness were front and center in some school districts. And on that, for voters, it is what they do not know that might hurt them.