I’d give my minimum to have just one more night with you….

I bet the people in Joplin are laughing their heads off. I saw a few days ago the news stories about the state audit results for the Joplin school district. Not stellar, to say the least, especially the conclusions that the board has repeatedly been violating the sunshine law.

The board was accused of not telling the public when records or votes which occurred in closed meetings become accessible to the public. The State Auditor said that the public deserved to be told when they can access these materials. The public should not be forced to expect to know when the status of closed information changes.

“We just feel like we’re meeting the minimum requirements of the Sunshine Law,” said one Joplin official.

Wow! What an amazing statement that is! This public body sees no reason to go beyond “the minimum” effort. Is that the kind of performance we should expect from our public officials? I would love to see the campaign materials this public official used during his or her election. “I’ll do the least possible for our students if you elect me!”

And what is expected of the Joplin High School students? Do their teachers expect them to give the minimum effort in doing their school projects? Does the football and basketball teams play at their minimum effort when they are in games?

What a disappointment for Joplin citizens! I hope they remember this when election time comes around and go all out to give this elected official the minimum votes. Joplin deserves better!