WHAT WE THINK
It's been about 10 years since School District 43's board of education last had a committee to oversee specific board functions.
But now, after devastating budget cuts this year and an $8-million deficit last year, it will appoint a new finance committee with the promise of oversight, monitoring and discussion of financial matters.
This is a welcome step that is long overdue but misses a valuable component: The meetings will not be open to the public.
Unlike Vancouver School Board, where stakeholders are invited to the finance committee meeting and the media can attend, the board has chosen to hold its financial discussions behind closed doors.
This goes against the board's promise to be transparent.
While minutes will be recorded and reported to the board, that's not enough and the board should reconsider this policy - if it has nothing to hide.
