Examining benefit packages for administrators and employees of the Clarkston School district will have to wait a little longer.
Obtaining all the required information was delayed last week by a notice from the school district for The Clarkston News to submit a request under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain specific details about the benefits for specific administrators.
Such information was originally requested in an e-mail dated April 5 to Anita Banach, director of communication and marketing. Banach replied by phone, saying there are general benefit package options, but that specific regarding individuals was not readily available.
A verbal request for the general package information was submitted, and in reply, The Clarkston News received a fax with general benefit package information but no specifics.
An additional request for specific details regarding administrator’s benefits was e-mailed to Banach on April 26.
In her response, Banach stated, ‘I am not exactly sure what you are requesting, as I have already provided you with all the benefit information provided directly from the contracts. Please put in writing, in the form of a Freedom of Information Request, what you are looking for so that we may better serve you and have a formal record of your request.?
On May 1, a FOIA request was submitted to Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts for documents reflecting specific benefit package details (i.e. ? retirement benefits, health insurance, transportation benefits, memberships dues and all other applicable categories) for the following individuals: Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts, Deputy Superintendent David Reschke, Executive Director of Business Services Bruce Beamer, Executive Director of Pre-K and Elementary Education Geraldine Moore, Executive Director of Technology and Information Services Matt McCarty, Executive Director of Human Resources Linda Nester, Director of Food Services Janet Allen, Director of Communications and Marketing Anita Banach, Director of Transportation Kevin Bickerstaff, Athletic Director Dan Fife and Director of Building and Grounds Wes Goodman.
Under law, once a request is submitted, the receiver has five business days to reply.
Banach responded the same day, first stating that the district contacted a FOIA expert to see if disclosing individual’s selections for benefits is an invasion of privacy. In contact later in the day, Banach said the information requested would be provided.
The federal FOIA applies to government agencies, but all states have their own laws regarding the disclosure of public records from public agencies. Michigan’s FOIA applies to all public bodies that received a majority of their funding from state or local sources, including public school districts.
There are exceptions to both the federal and state FOIA laws, such as interfering with law enforcement proceedings or unwarranted invasions of privacy.
When more information regarding these benefit packages becomes available, it will be reported in a future edition of The Clarkston News.