LOPEN GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS BEST

A complaint was filed recently against the Scott City Board of Education. At issue was whether the board violated the Missouri Sunshine Law, which requires open meetings by government, by meeting in an illegal closed session.

More governmental entities would do well to embrace openness and disclosure in all that they do.

In this case, a parent wanted to voice his concerns about a district gym policy but found the board gathering in a locked room. He alleges the board didn't reconvene in open session after what members called an executive meeting.

The parent -- who is also the former Scott City police chief -- filed an official complaint, but it has not yet been acted upon by the Scott County prosecuting attorney.

Missouri's Sunshine Law encourages government to keep openness at the heart of all operations. While closed meetings are allowed for a few specific exceptions, state law doesn't mandate boards to meet privately for any reason.

The more open city councils, school boards and other governmental entities make their operations, the more supportive and sympathetic they'll find the taxpaying public.