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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 8, 2008 - 5 Board wants transparency Continued from page 4 hidden. We want total transparency. Rather than hand in one customer copy that says $54 expenses at Staples, you have to show what you bought at Staples, every item and what it costs." The other pre-existing practice that is now policy is the stipulation that the director of education or the chair of the board has the opportunity to request additional information regarding expense claims filed by trustees or employees. This additional information can be presented to the board through an information report at a board meeting or in camera, depending on the situation. "If someone is asking a question from the public or someone internally wants to know, there's an expectation that the director or the chair would look to get more information," Langill said. "We want the public to know we are doing this because we don't want any accusations of a cover-up, we want total transparency and accountability. This is another cost check we can run if we are worried about an expense. Total transparency is a goal of all of this." Burlington trustee Joanne Matters was among the majority who supported the revised policy. "I think in terms of accountability and transparency, it is very appropriate to make changes," Matters said. "I think anything that brings transparency and clarity to the public is welcome." Not everyone was happy with the policy changes. Burlington trustee Bob Van de Vrande wanted the wording to be changed so trustees and employees would have the option of submitting an expense claim without providing the name of the other party. "There are times when staff members come with information or come with a request to me, who don't feel comfortable having their name publicized because of possible repercussion," he said. "It doesn't happen frequently, but I don't think it is fair to those individuals." LeMay said that because trustee and employee expenses are funded by public tax dollars, accountability is important, especially when it comes to names of second parties. "I think we should be proactive and not reactive," she said. "There is no reason why we can't provide those names. We are a public body and we are spending public money, they should be there." Oakville trustee Anthony Danko had mixed feelings on the issue. While he supported the unsuccessful motion to allow trustees and employees to have the option of leaving out the name of the person they were meeting with, he said that trustee and employee expenses should be made public. "I think we should take it one step further and make it a requirement to provide trustee expenses to post them at hcdsb.org, as well as those going back 10 years, with the exception of personal information that would be sensitive," he said. Staff expenses are currently approved by Michael Pautler, director of education, while trustee expenses are given the stamp of approval by LeMay. Pautler said that transparency should be a top priority for the board. "I feel a strong obligation to be able to demonstrate prudent and appropriate use of public funds," said Michael Pautler, director of education. Call Today! (905) 827-1619 www.justaddheat.ca NEW! Most meals available in servings of 2, 4 and 6. · Delicious Food · More Time with your Family · Gourmet Meals for only $4 to $6 per Serving ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN MEALS OR LET US DO IT ­ FREE! Visit us online at www.justaddheat.ca THANK YOU FOR VOTING US 2008 "Best Prepared Meals" AND GOLD WINNER FOR "Best Overall Customer Service" SAVE 25% on first online order Best New Business 610 Ford Drive (at Cornwall) 905-338-9816