Post on 26-May-2015
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page i of xcii
Running head: SUNSHINE INFORMATION REQUEST PROCESS
An Evaluation of theInformation Management Process in the
Facilities and Construction Management Department,School Board of Broward County, Florida
by
Julie J. Rada
to
Barry University
in partial fulfillment ofthe requirement for the
degree of
Master of Public Administration
This Applied Capstone Project has beenaccepted for the faculty of
Barry University by:
_______________________________________
Stephen E. Sussman, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Public Administration
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page ii of xcii
Executive Summary
Sunshine legislation exists to ensure that government agencies operate in an open
environment and provide public access to agency documents. The principle behind such
regulation goes to the heart of republican democracy wherein the people are the government.
Transparency and compliance are keys to fostering informed public participation, as well as to
provide responsible governance that is responsive to public opinion. For this reason information
management is a crucial function in public administration.
An evaluation of the information processes in Facilities and Construction Management at
the School Board of Broward County was undertaken to provide insight into the dynamics
involved in dealing with stakeholder requests. As a prelude to the study, a literature review was
performed to provide an historical perspective on government in the sunshine, and study the
body of research relating to compliance, public opinion, and media influence on administrative
function, as well as relevant case law. The ensuing analysis of the department’s available
information process data was conducted based on that body of knowledge.
Data was examined and evaluated as it relates to various facets of the information
response processes. The volume of information requests, turnaround time from date of inquiry to
completion, entities involved in fulfillment of those requests, parties generating requests, and
topics of interest were all analyzed. Answers were sought to questions concerning who makes
public records requests, the nature of information is being sought, whether external factors
trigger requests, how change in leadership affects the response process, and, ultimately, the
efficiency of the response process.
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Assessment results indicate that the department’s information processes are effective, and
that they are in compliance with specified guidelines concerning response completion time.
Stakeholders requesting information represent diverse relationships, and there is significant
correlation between stakeholder status and the subject matter sought. Evidence tends to support
the contentions that both change in leadership and external factors impacted the process during
the period studied.
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY II
ISSUE STATEMENT 1
LITERATURE REVIEW 3
INTRODUCTION 3PUBLIC OPINION 3INFORMING THE PUBLIC 5THE MEDIA 8TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND COMPLIANCE 13FEDERAL INFORMATION POLICY 15STATE OF FLORIDA INFORMATION POLICY 19SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA INFORMATION POLICY 22
METHODOLOGY 23
INFORMATION REQUESTS 23DOCUMENT REQUESTS 24THE MEDIA CONNECTION 24
FINDINGS 25
INFORMATION REQUESTS 25DOCUMENT REQUESTS 31THE MEDIA CONNECTION 35
RECOMMENDATIONS 37
APPENDIX A 39
PRECEDENT-SETTING FOIA LITIGATION 39
APPENDIX B 41
FLORIDA CONSTITUTION: ARTICLE I – DECLARATION OF RIGHTS 41
APPENDIX C 42
SBBC POLICY NUMBER1343.000 42
APPENDIX D 43
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 43
APPENDIX E 45
FCM INFORMATION REQUESTS RAW DATA 45
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APPENDIX F 50
FCM INFORMATION REQUESTS CODE BOOK 50
APPENDIX G 51
FCM DOCUMENT REQUESTS RAW DATA 51
APPENDIX H 55
FCM DOCUMENT REQUESTS CODEBOOK 55
APPENDIX I 56
SUPERINTENDENT’S DIRECTIVE 56
APPENDIX J 57
REFERRAL 57
APPENDIX K 58
CHART 1 – MONTHLY VOLUME 58
APPENDIX L 59
CHART 2 – TURNAROUND TIME 59
APPENDIX M 60
CHART 3 – AVERAGE TURNAROUND – LEADERSHIP TRACK 60
APPENDIX N 61
CHART 4 – SINGLE DEPARTMENT PROCESSING 61CHART 5 – MULTI-DEPARTMENT PROCESSING 61
APPENDIX O 62
CHART 6 – REQUESTING PARTIES 62
APPENDIX P 63
CHART 7 – MONTHLY BREAKDOWN BY STAKEHOLDER 63
APPENDIX Q 64
CHART 8 – REQUEST RECEIPT METHODS 64
APPENDIX R 65
CHART 9 – MONTHLY VOLUME 65
APPENDIX S 66
CHART 10 – TRANSACTION RESOLUTION 66CHART 11 – FEES COLLECTED 66
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APPENDIX T 67
CHART 10 – REQUESTING PARTIES 67
APPENDIX U 68
CHART 13 – TOPIC 68CHART 14 – TOPIC (OTHER THAN BID-RELATED) 68
APPENDIX V 69
CHART 15 – VOLUME DISTRIBUTION BY TOPIC 69
APPENDIX W 70
CHART 16 – BID PROCESS/DOCUMENT REQUEST COMPARISON 70
APPENDIX X 71
CHART 17 – TURNAROUND 71
APPENDIX Y 72
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF NEWS ARTICLES JULY 2008 – JUNE 2010 72Sun-Sentinel 72The Miami Herald 76
WORKS CITED 82
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Issue Statement
Information management plays a vital role in public administration. Effective
transmission of information facilitates intra-organizational communication, and is essential for
interactions between the agency and the public, the media, and overhead agencies. Sunshine
legislation mandates open access to public records, and is intended to foster transparency in
governance.
As a public agency the Facilities and Construction Management (FCM) department of the
School Board of Broward County (SBBC) is subject to state and federal Sunshine Laws. It is
responsible for construction and renovation of all SBBC facilities and capital improvements. As
such, FCM personnel interact with a variety of stakeholders in the execution of its business.
An analysis of FCM’s records pertaining to its information management process could
provide insight into stakeholder identity, areas of concern, and how effective the response
process is. This study will attempt to answer these questions: 1. Who is making public records
requests? 2. What information is being sought? 3. Do external factors trigger requests? 4. Does
change in leadership affect the response process? 5. How efficient is the response process? 6. Is
there collaboration among departments in the response completion process?
Operative hypotheses are as follows: 1. FCM receives information requests from a
variety of stakeholders. 2. There is a strong correlation between stakeholder status and
information requested. 3. External factors such as media coverage influence information
requests. 4. Change in leadership impacts the response process. 5. FCM fulfills information
requests within time frames prescribed by SBBC policy, and is in compliance with Sunshine
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requirements. 6. FCM frequently collaborates with other departments in completing the
information request process.
Evaluation of current processes may reveal areas where policies and procedures can be
improved, or alternatively, provide affirmation as to their efficacy. Additionally, it may prove
useful in achieving a measureable degree of predictability concerning causal relationships
relative to public interest in FCM functions. The intent behind this study is to provide a
beneficial service to the department, and to offer support for process improvements suggested by
staff members.
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Literature Review
Introduction
Information management is defined as “a multi-faceted process involving the collection,
processing, storage, transmission, and use of information” (Feinberg, 1986, p. 615). Different
regulations pertain to each facet of the process. In discussing management of federal information
policy Feinberg reveals that “businesses have become major requesters; submitters of
information are seeking new protections for their data; (and) the costs of providing information
have been significantly higher than Congress anticipated” (p. 615). Codification of federal
information policy originated with the enactment of a “housekeeping” statute in 1789, saw major
revisions in the 1940’s and 1960’s, and is subject to continuous refinement. All three branches of
government and the private sector have been actively involved in shaping this legislation.
This study relates to the transmission phase of information management. While effective
communication is important within any agency, it is an essential for the public administrator in
dealing with extra-organizational entities (Cohen, Eimicke, & Heikkila, 2008). Among these are
the general public, legislatures, overhead agencies, interest groups, and the media. The primary
focus of this study concerns the distribution of information to interested parties. In particular,
attention will be directed toward an exploration of the importance of public records and
information management in promoting the ideals of accountability, transparency, and informed
public opinion. Additionally, the issue of compliance with state and federal regulation is
examined as it relates to agency interaction with legislatures and overhead agencies.
Public Opinion
Public opinion plays an integral role in fostering an informed public. Its eminence in
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politics and governance in the United States originated with the framing of our constitution,
made implicit through the First Amendment. Several works are available on the topic.
James Madison’s Psychology of Public Opinion informs that recent developments in the
field of public opinion have led to a renewed interest in Madison’s conception of its role and the
appropriate extent to which it should play a part in governmental process (Gabrielson, 2009).
Citing contemporary literature that ranges from limiting the role as a means for selection of good
representatives to a vehicle for highly significant involvement in self-directed governance,
Gabrielson contends that the key questions concern Madison’s view not only of the public’s
capacity for making political decisions, but whether public reason can prevail over passion in a
republic. A comprehensive qualitative analysis of Madison’s essays and letters is undertaken that
tracks the maturation of his philosophical views toward informed citizenry. The tensions inherent
in our political system are mirrored in his discussions concerning reason versus emotion and
affection relative to establishing an informed decision-making process. According to Gabrielson,
Madison “relies on both the social passions and reason to settle public opinion, especially when
those passions are supported by the reason of the few and the few appeal to the reason of the
many” (p. 441). Ultimately this treatise reflects the belief that Madison considered it the public’s
responsibility to monitor the actions of its representatives and call for action when appropriate,
as well as his advocacy for debate that allows for passion tempered by logic.
Public administration theorists have held varying views on the role of public opinion in
the discipline’s practical application. In promoting administration as a practical science and
establishing the framework for its academic application, Woodrow Wilson advocated for
administrators having broad powers and unhampered discretion in order to be efficient (Wilson,
(1887) 2004). He posited that this would afford the means to achieve the highest potential for
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open and honest success. As justification, he argued that public opinion would be the
authoritative critic concerning administrative performance, but cautioned that there must be a
proper relation between public opinion and administration.
Wilson’s managerial approach as adapted by Frederick Taylor, Leonard White, Luther
Gulick, Simmons and Dvorin, and Max Weber dictates that administration must be separate and
apart from politics (Rosenbloom, (1983) 2004). Rosenbloom does not address the subject in
relation to the legal approach to administration, however, as is evident from the media coverage
of litigation involving the Department of the Interior and the Minerals Management Service
concerning the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, this method is not immune to the realm of
public opinion. With regard to the political approach Rosenbloom evokes Wallace Sayre’s
sentiment that “…the fundamental problem in a democracy is responsibility to popular
control…” (p. 447). Public opinion is fundamental to the political approach to public
management. This school of thought stresses representativeness, political responsiveness, and
accountability. Political administrative management spawned the Freedom of Information Act, as
well as other “sunshine” provisions and “sunset” requirements.
Informing the Public
An article appearing in The Public Opinion Quarterly during the Truman era critiques the
federal government’s recently created agency position, the public information officer
(Fitzpatrick, 1947-1948). Fitzpatrick’s introductory comments acknowledge the inherent tension
between the public and administrative agencies in the governmental process. “Nevertheless, it is
generally accepted that whenever the American people are properly informed of governmental
activities, they are more likely to understand what is being done, and why” (p. 530).
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Fitzpatrick writes that the greatest challenges faced in government information programs
are internal in nature. The most basic of these is how much authority is vested in the public
information officer. Next is the question of where within the hierarchy this position resides,
which is complicated by the involvement of intermediaries between the information officer and
administrators. Division of authority and responsibility within the agency create difficulties in
determining who is authorized to release information. Delays caused by these hurdles can create
adverse public relations resulting in loss of trust in the agency, as well as negative perceptions
concerning administrative performance. Stalled delivery of information is often exacerbated
when the information being sought is provided to the party requesting it by an outside source.
Additional problems involve agency personnel communicating public information without the
advice of the information officer, misuse or misrepresentation of agency information by
administrative personnel, and the bureaucratic tendency toward hesitancy in admitting to error
when it has been discovered.
The effective public administrator recognizes that the interests of the agency must be
balanced with the interests of those who are the beneficiaries of the information they supply, and
appreciates that an informed public is an essential component of governance (Cohen, Eimicke, &
Heikkila, 2008). A prudent administrator relies on the public information officer, when available,
as the most effective means for information dissemination.
Effects of external information impinging on public information utilized in the decision-
making process are studied in Social Value of Public Information (Morris & Shin, 2002). Morris
and Shin contend that public information has a dual role - to convey fundamental information,
and to facilitate focused thinking. “Sunspots” and “noise” are referenced as influences that might
result in distortion of public information. When this distortion occurs, the effects are detrimental
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to the social planner. Just as public information has significant impact, so does the incursion of
noise in the public psyche. They posit that public information risks the danger of being too
effective in influencing actions; when overreaction occurs, any noise damage is magnified.
Government agencies are faced with numerous interrelated issues in formulating
disclosure policies. Specific concerns include how much information should be disclosed, how
often, and in what form. The challenge is to find a balance between providing timely preliminary
or incomplete information versus delaying response in order to provide more accurate data. This
becomes increasingly more difficult with increased scrutiny or monitoring of agency activities.
An interesting study conducted by Christopher Wlezien demonstrates how the public’s
spending preferences correlate to policy outputs (1995). He developed a thermostatic model
incorporating spending preferences relative to a set of five social programs, as well as defense
policy. Utilizing time series regression analysis, he found that changes in spending preferences
reflect changes in levels of spending preferred, as well as in spending decisions themselves.
Public preference changes are inversely related to spending decisions. When appropriations
increase, preferences are adjusted downward, and vice versa. Public spending preferences tend
toward being more liberal when economic expectations are more optimistic, and more
conservative when they are not. Unless something happens to change them, preferences tend to
remain unchanged. In his conclusion Wlezien writes: “… most striking is that the public
responds to appropriations, which are policy decisions, not to the more tangible outlays that
result from appropriations” (p. 998). The efficacy of his model is dependent upon the public
obtaining the most accurate information available otherwise the public would prove to be a faulty
thermostat.
Knowledge as power is a recurring theme in the democratic process, and knowledge gap
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has long been a topic of concern (Jerit, Barabas, & Bolsen, 2006). In their study of the
information environment, Jerit, Barabas and Bolsen narrowed their focus from general
knowledge to surveillance knowledge, i.e. sufficient understanding of issues enabling individuals
to monitor government activity. They sought to determine whether knowledge could be
improved by increased media coverage, and how that increased knowledge impacted the
knowledge gap. Their findings indicated that the greater volume of coverage increased
knowledge across the spectrum. In the case of print news, more plentiful information increased
differences in knowledge level attributed to education. There was not a significant increase in the
knowledge gap with increased television coverage. In terms of relative gains, the least educated
did better. As suggested by Jerit, et al., further study aimed at gap reduction would be beneficial
in exploring means through which to foster the ideal of informed political participation. Inclusion
of alternative information sources could also provide additional insight into individual
monitoring habits.
The Media
Government is highly dependent upon the media as a vehicle for communicating with the
populace. Several studies have been completed concerning the role of media in politics as a
means of informing public opinion, ensuring disclosure and transparency, and its influence in
agenda setting. Interaction between the press, the public, decision makers and policy construct
has provided fertile ground for study in multiple scholarly disciplines. Complexities of these
relationships, as well as variations on theme make the subject timeless.
The preceding sections sufficiently examine the relationship between the media and the
public for the purposes of this study. An understanding of the dynamics between the press and
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policymaking is beneficial in terms of its import to the public administrator, as well as the
potential impact on the general public.
A major cross-disciplinary study concerning media and agenda setting was published in
Public Opinion Quarterly in 1983 (Cook, et al.). Its authors claimed to be the first to “…
examine how the same media presentation shapes the judgments of both the general public and
policy makers and also how the presentation affects subsequent policy” (pp. 16-17). This study
was unique in that it involved a collaboration of the researchers with a team of investigative
reporters. Inasmuch as the researchers were fully appraised as to the content and records that
would be used in a televised investigative report, as well as the date on which it would air, they
were able to conduct both pre- and post-broadcast surveys. An experimental group was asked to
watch the target program, while a control group was asked to view a news magazine program on
a different channel airing at the same time. A test population was randomly selected from the
general public, with those respondents randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the
control group.
One to two hour interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of policy maker
participants prior to the news report, with a post airing telephone survey lasting ten to fifteen
minutes. This sampling population consisted of government elites (53 percent) and special
interest elites (47 percent), all at the state level. Cook, et al. felt it inappropriate to request
individuals of this echelon to watch a television program, and posited that when high-level
policymakers are not personally attuned to the media, they rely on staff to provide them with
relevant information. Thus they are indirectly exposed to its effects. Of those responding, the
group was evenly split between those who were exposed to the presentation and those who were
not. The breakdown in subgroups revealed 63 percent exposure to 37 percent lacking awareness
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of the broadcast among government elites, with 37.5 percent of special interest elites reporting
exposure to the program compared to 62.5 percent indicating non-exposure.
In summation the data suggests a strong correlation between watching the target program
and the public perception of issue importance. Post survey results ranked the target issue as
second in priority, up from fourth in the antecedent survey. The finding supports the concept of
the “agenda-setting function of the media among members of the general public” (Cook, et al.,
p.25). Policy elites are not all similarly influenced by news media presentations. In this study the
investigative report altered the perception of government elites, but not that of special interest
elites. Results revealed an alteration in perception of the importance of the issue on the part of
governmental policy makers, their belief that action was necessary, and their perception of how
the public views issue priorities. However, the issue remained last in priority for these
policymakers. Lack of significant change among special interest elites in this study was
attributed to their nature. Special interest groups are already knowledgeable about and advocate
the issues to which they are committed.
Through their evaluation pertaining to the impact of the studied report on policy, Cook et
al. reveal a connection between the media investigators and the U.S. Permanent Subcommittee
on Investigations. This was a mutually beneficial relationship in that the subcommittee sought to
attract public attention to the issue through the media, and the investigative team’s motivation
was to include the government’s reaction in their story. The broadcast concluded with an
announcement that Senate hearings were imminent, and the following day a news release setting
the hearing dates was issued. Expert testimony was provided during the hearings by some of the
investigators, who were subsequently lauded for their “initiative in securing their … findings” (p.
31). Cook, et al. concluded that while public perception and the agendas of policy makers were
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both affected by media coverage in the case studied, it was the ongoing collaboration of
government staff members with journalists that ultimately led to political action.
Media thrives on scandals and accidents, and the crises caused by them have drawn
attention to regulatory issues that would not have otherwise been placed on the political agenda
(Kemp, 1984). Dissemination of information about an incident is a prerequisite to its becoming a
political issue. Kemp cites the journalistic axiom that “an event which wasn’t reported didn’t
happen” (p.403). Public concern about issues cannot be generated unless opinion leaders and the
media broadly disseminate what is observed and known about their occurrence.
In her data analysis Kemp contends, “accidents and scandals are dramatic events
facilitating mobilization for quick action rather than deliberation and study. … If there is to be
any institutional response, it must come quickly before public attention is turned elsewhere” (p.
413). Kemp sought to determine the impact of accidents and scandals on political support for
regulatory agencies in the White House and Congress. Budgetary data for the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Aviation
Administration was utilized to test for the effect of accidents and scandals occurring over a
period of approximately thirty years. For all three agencies accidents and scandals were
important factors in budgeting outcomes and regulatory policy. Party control as well as the
relative status of the three agencies factored into the specific magnitude, direction, and quality of
response from Congress and the presidency.
A look at environmental policy demonstrates how dramatic events have impacted agency
administration. Major incidents that have had an effect on policymaking include Three Mile
Island, Love Canal, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Bhopal disaster, and Chernobyl (Cooper,
2007). A sampling of legislation that arose from these incidents, as well as public concern over
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other environmental issues includes: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 1975; Toxic
Substances Control Act 1976; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (Superfund) 1980; Alaska National Interest Conservation Act 1980; Hazardous and
Solid Waste Amendments 1984; Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
1986; Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act 1986; Safe Drinking Water Amendments of
1986; Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986; Federal Water Quality
Act 1987; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments 1988; Ocean
Pollution Act 1990; Oil Pollution Prevention Act 1990; Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990;
Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act 1992; Federal Facilities Compliance Act
1992; and California Desert Protection Act 1994. Public information was key to exposing
dangers, real or perceived, that demanded the attention of government. Access to agency records
is crucial as a means to satisfy the public that their interests are being adequately protected.
Scandal and impropriety evoke strong responses from the American public, especially
when government and its officials are involved. Among those with the highest profile are
Watergate, the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, and human rights violations that occurred
at Abu Ghraib. Violation of public trust is not a new concern, but in recent years intensified
scrutiny of government and bureaucratic agencies in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach Counties
has had significant impact, and been greatly facilitated through accessibility to public
information. Several officials have been removed from office for their abuses, with some serving
prison time on criminal charges. A surge in concern about the actions of representatives on both
state and local levels has spawned ethics review committees in various agencies and placed
ethics regulation on ballots in recent elections.
The Threshold of Public Attention asks “what would happen if all the mass media ceased
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to function?” (Neuman, 1990). It answers that government would be immobilized. This study
focuses on the transition from initial stages of public awareness toward a threshold that moves a
matter from one of private concern to a public, political issue. In addressing the evolution of
agenda-setting theory Neuman incorporates McCombs and Shaw’s proposition that “the press
may not be successful much of the time in telling people what to think, but … stunningly
successful in telling its readers what to think about” (p. 160). While the media and the public
both respond to real-world cues, the media acts a conduit of information. The potential for
filtering, distortion, and amplification is elemental in agenda-setting theory.
In discussing public response function theory Neuman refers to Downs’s “issue-
attention” cycle (p. 164). Downs contended that public interest has a systematic life cycle, and
that changes in public perception are more closely related to this five-stage cycle than to changes
in real conditions. Stage one is the pre-problem stage where a problem exists, but public
attention has not been captured. The discovery stage, stage two, reflects a major increase in
attention and the problem transitions into a political issue. This is the threshold. In stage three a
plateau is reached and enthusiasm for the issue begins to wane. Stage four, the decline - the
public becomes restless, inattentive, and frustrated. In the fifth stage, the post-problem period
relegates the issue to a state of limbo. Neuman reported findings in his study produced consistent
but somewhat weak evidence in support of threshold and saturation effects. Relative
responsiveness to different issue types produced the biggest differences issue by issue.
Transparency, Accountability, and Compliance
Timing, logistics and information sensitivity are all of concern in relation to transparency.
Andrea Prat of the London School of Economics identified circumstances whereby conformism
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was a result of an agent’s knowledge that his or her actions were being observed (2005). Only
fear of failure deters conformism. More to the point of this econometric study, the concluding
statements pose that “an action, or the intention to take an action, should not be revealed before
the consequences of the action are observed” (p. 869). The expectation should be that
transparency on decisions and consequences go hand in hand.
An exploratory analysis of sunshine regulations as applied to institutions of higher
education discusses Cleveland’s contention that mandated openness, when applied to public
colleges and universities, poses a “trilemma” for society (McLendon & Hearn, 2006). Inherent
tension is created among competing societal objectives: ensuring accountability to the public,
protecting individual rights, and allowing institutions sufficient autonomy to achieve their public
missions. The purpose of this study was to gain perspective on stakeholders’ views regarding the
impact of sunshine regulations on the governance of institutions of higher learning. Sampling
consisted of a two-stage process. Six states were selected for their diversity along social, legal,
and organizational dimensions. Then respondents were selected from among six categories;
members of institutional governing boards, senior campus and system officials, faculty senate
leaders, newspaper personnel versed in the field, state attorneys general and their staff, and state
legislators and agency officials. Analysis revealed no evidence of “declining openness in higher
education, and no evidence of outright revolt against sunshine laws” (p. 675). Respondents
expressed commitment of openness in both principle and in practice. Most felt that safeguarding
of individual privacy rights, as well as maintaining institutions capable of achieving their
purpose efficiently and effectively were equally important. Balancing the three creates tension
and poses challenges when implementing sunshine laws in the collegiate environment.
An economic study on media capture and accountability assessed relationships between
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features of the media industry, media capture, and political outcomes (Besley & Prat, 2006).
Media capture signifies a collusive relationship between the press and government, ergo it
creates a scenario that is antithetical to the precept of accountability. Analysis results indicated
“media pluralism is of paramount importance” and should be considered in merger reviews by
regulatory agencies (p. 732). Besley and Pratt conclude that increased media competition reduces
bias and fosters an environment true to the intent of accountability.
Despite revisions to both federal and state sunshine legislation, differences in opinion
over interpretation of production requirements based on form and format of information continue
to cause friction. Government Records: It’s the Message, Not the Medium, a trade publication
article, reviews three cases involving resistance on the part of both state and federal agencies in
responding to requests for production of records produced electronically and/or through the use
of personal equipment (Swartz, 2008). A cursory review of FOIA audits and research contained
in The National Security Archives at George Washington University reveals a fairly
comprehensive critique of compliance on the federal level.
Federal Information Policy
The United States maintains an open information policy that is based on diverse and
fragmented administrative practice laws (Cooper, 2007). It is a system of interrelated and
overlapping constitutional and statutory elements that sometimes conflict. The language of the
Constitution and Supreme Court interpretations of its articles and amendments are at the heart of
the system. Core statutory elements include the Freedom of Information Act, Right to Privacy
Act, Government in the Sunshine Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, Federal Advisory Committee
Act, and E-Government Act. Additional statutory elements are the Health Insurance Portability
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and Accountability Act, the USA Patriot Act, Homeland Security Act, Computer Security Act,
the Clinger Cohen Act, Paperwork Elimination Act, and Family Education Rights and Privacy
Act. Various environmental factors affecting information policy involve political pressure,
national security, intergovernmental relations, market forces, technological innovation, and
globalization.
Included among the legislation amassed during in the New Deal Era was the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. §551 et seq. (Cooper, 2007). This statute applies
to all federal agencies not otherwise specifically exempted, and provides minimum standards to
which these agencies must adhere. In original form the APA included provisions intended to
promote openness and responsiveness in government, including the administration of
information policy.
Beginning in 1955, U.S. Rep. John Moss (D-CA), a leading consumer advocate,
spearheaded a committee that investigated, promulgated reports and held hearings on
government information policy. At that time Section 3 of the APA governed the means by which
the public could obtain information from federal governmental agencies (The FOIA and
President Lyndon Johnson, n.d). Organizations involved with formulating the policy included the
American Bar Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and “committees of newspapermen,
editors and broadcasters” (The Congressional Record, 1966, p. 13642).
Enacted in 1966, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, constitutes
the greatest portion of the APA. It establishes that any person, including U.S. citizens, foreign
nationals, organizations, associations, and universities can file a FOIA request. The
Administrative Procedures Act contained less precise verbiage affording agencies responding to
requests reasons to deny those requests based on arbitrary interpretations as to who might be
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entitled to receive information requested from them, i.e. how is “need to know” defined.
The decade from instigation through fruition was extremely active. In addition to the
Cold War, major political events during this time include: McCarthyism and Senator Joseph
McCarthy’s decline in reputation; the third and fourth decades of the nearly 50-year reign of J.
Edgar Hoover, his investigation into subversives and prominent figures he distrusted as well as
his refusal to investigate the mafia; the Viet Nam War; the civil rights movement; and the
assassination of President John F. Kennedy followed by the Warren Commission investigation.
Any one of these coupled with citizenry harboring innate distrust of government provide ample
ammunition to bolster demands that the government respond to citizens’ desire to know how
their government is operating, what is happening as a result of those actions, and how their lives
are or will be affected.
Judicial review was added to the FOIA over President Gerald Ford’s veto during the
Watergate Investigation. During President Ronald Reagan’s tenure Congress took action to put
some branches of the CIA out of the Act’s reach. President Bill Clinton was successful in
expanding the FOIA to cover electronic media (The Freedom of Information Act Turns 35, nd),
and the 2002 amendment signed by President George W. Bush limits the ability of foreign agents
to request records from U.S. intelligence agencies (The FOIA and President George W. Bush,
nd).
Much debate has taken place concerning the public’s right to know versus national
security. President Johnson’s statement, issued when he signed the Act, addressed this concern.
“This legislation springs from one of our most essential principles: a democracy works best when
the people have all the information that the security of the nation permits. No one should be able
to pull curtains of secrecy around decisions which can be revealed without injury to the public
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interest” (Press Secretary, 1996). There are exemptions delineating what will not be provided:
national security information; internal personnel rules and practices; substantial internal matters
when disclosure would risk circumvention of a legal requirement; internal matters that are
essentially trivial in nature; information exempt under other laws; confidential business
information; inter or intra agency communication that is subject to deliberative process,
litigation, and other privileges; personal privacy; law enforcement records that implicate one of
six enumerated concerns; financial institutions; and geological information (FOIA Basics, What
are the FOIA expemtions?, nd)
As summarized by the U.S. Attorney General upon enactment of the original version, the
essential principles supporting the Freedom of Information Act are reflected in its policy goals
(Cooper, 2007). First, “that disclosure be the general rule, not the exception” (p. 446). Second,
equal rights of access to all individuals. Third, the burden to justify withholding of a document is
on government, not the individual making the request. Fourth, improperly denied access to a
document triggers the right to sue for injunctive relief. Fifth, there “should be a fundamental shift
in the attitudes and policies regarding government information of those in positions of
responsibility” (p. 446).
Operation of FOIA policy varies from administration to administration, and response
procedures among federal agencies are diverse. Differences in interpretation of the Act’s
provisions further complicate the process. Also problematic is the need to balance constitutional
rights that sometimes conflict with one another. There is a significant volume of case law
involving administration of the Act. A summary of precedent-setting FOIA litigation is included
in Appendix A.
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State of Florida Information Policy
Sunshine regulation varies greatly from state to state. The State of Florida is renowned
for the priority it places on openness in government. Its public records law was enacted in 1909,
and in 1967 legislation was passed to include public access to agency meetings (State of Florida,
2009b). In 1992 a constitutional amendment was passed to guarantee continued openness in
government, extended coverage to the legislature, and included the judiciary. Appendix B
contains pertinent excerpts of Article 1, Section 24, pertaining to the Information Law. When
Florida enacted its original legislation it was the second state to codify information policy
(McLendon & Hearn, 2006). By the end of the ten-year period after Florida initiated
comprehensive reform of its statutes in 1954, twenty-six states had enacted openness in
government laws. Following Watergate, another wave of statutory reform occurred. According to
McLendon and Hearn Florida ranked second highest among the fifty states in Cleveland’s 1985
openness ordering.
The State of Florida has published a reference guide for compliance with its public
records and open meeting laws (State of Florida, 2009a). The manual contains two parts: Part I
covers the Government in the Sunshine Law, §286.011 FS. Part II pertains to the Public Records
Law, §119.01(11) FS. Written in question and answer format, it is a comprehensive treatment of
the sunshine legislation replete with black letter law annotations including Attorney General
Opinions, pertinent legislation, and relevant case law.
Public records as defined by statute include all documents, papers, letters, maps, books,
tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material,
regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received
pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 20 of 92
agency” (p.46). The broad scope of the definition is intended to be comprehensive enough to
incorporate new forms of technology that may evolve. Unless otherwise exempted by law, all
documents will remain available for public inspection.
By definition, the term agency includes: “any state, county, district, authority, or
municipal officer, department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other separate unit of
government created or established by law including, for the purposes of this chapter, the
Commission on Ethics, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of Public Counsel, and
any other public or private agency, person, partnership, corporation, or business entity acting on
behalf of any public agency” (p. 48). Additionally, “Art. I, s. 24(a), Fla. Const., establishes a
constitutional right of access to ‘any public record made or received in connection with the
official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their
behalf, except with respect to those records exempted pursuant to this section or specifically
made confidential by this Constitution’" (p. 48). The legislative, executive, and judicial branches
of government; counties, municipalities, and districts; and each constitutional officer, board, and
commission, or entity created pursuant to law or by the Constitution, are included in this
definition.
As a means of evaluating when a private entity is acting on behalf of a public agency, the
Florida Supreme Court adopted a "totality of factors" approach. Factors listed by the Supreme
Court include the following: the level of public funding; commingling of funds; whether the
activity was conducted on publicly-owned property; whether services contracted for are an
integral part of the public agency's chosen decision-making process; whether the private entity is
performing a governmental function or a function which the public agency otherwise would
perform; the extent of the public agency's involvement with, regulation of, or control over the
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 21 of 92
private entity; whether the private entity was created by the public agency; whether the public
agency has a substantial financial interest in the private entity; for whose benefit the private
entity is functioning. The compliance manual includes extensive discussion pertaining to the
applicability of the law in government’s utilization of alternative methods of administration such
as contracting for services, public-private enterprises, and various vehicles utilized in the
delegation of duties or authority to conduct business on behalf of government.
Exemptions affecting application of the Records Law are enumerated in §119.071, and
are similar in nature to the exemptions provided under the FOIA. Exemptions are grouped by
agency administration, agency investigations, security, and other personal information.
§119.0711 delineates executive branch agency exemptions. Agency-specific exemptions that fall
under §119.0712 pertain to the Department of Health, and the Department of Highway Safety
and Motor Vehicles. Local government agency and court files are provided exemptions in
§§119.073 and 119.074, respectively.
There is a significant body of case law concerning jurisdictional control when federal and
state law conflict as to prohibited disclosure (p. 126). As a general rule, in the instance of
absolute conflict between the two, federal law prevails by virtue of the Supremacy Clause.
Where a federal agency located within the state purely for the benefit of Florida residents, e.g.
the Housing Authority, state disclosure requirements take precedence over federally prohibited
disclosure, even when federal funding is involved. Thus, agency function dictates the
applicability of regulation. In general the state views compliance with FOIA requirements as a
means for the federal government to monitor its activities on the state level.
Penalties for violation of the Information Law are covered in §119.10. These are
specified according to degree. Unintentional violation by a public officer is a noncriminal
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infraction and subject to a fine not to exceed $500. A public official who knowingly violates the
general exemptions provision is subject to suspension and removal or impeachment, and is
subject to punishment for commission of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Any person who
willfully and knowingly violates any of the chapter provisions commits a first-degree
misdemeanor. It is a third-degree felony to violate the provisions for protection of victims of
crimes or accidents.
School Board of Broward County, Florida Information Policy
The information policy of the School Board of Broward County is codified under Policy
Number 1343.000 and is presented, with attendant rules, in Appendix C. “The Broward County
School District is committed to operating ‘In The Sunshine’ (sic) and has established a reputation
as being reporter-friendly. As a way to streamline communication, the District created a one-of-
a-kind process that ensures reporters unprecedented access to all aspects of the nation's fifth
largest school district” (School Board of Broward County, nd b). In order to support a free flow
of information, the Department of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs has implemented a
process that includes workshops, staff development training, and a support system. Their web
site includes publications that provide guidance for working with the press, and the process to be
followed by staff in providing information to the public.
Clearly, information management is a crucial function within any public agency. As with
any process, a review of existing practices can be helpful in revealing any problem areas, and
ensuring regulatory or policy compliance. In addition to gaining a better understanding of
policies and procedures, it affords an opportunity to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 23 of 92
Methodology
The purpose of this study is to evaluate information management within the SBBC’s
Facilities and Construction Management department. It is an eclectic analysis of the processes
utilized for transmission of information in complying with SBBC policy as well as state and
federal regulations. Focused interviews were conducted with key personnel to clarify the process
through which the department responds to information and document requests. These interviews
centered on probative questions intended to clarify department policy and procedures for the
inquiry response process. Pre-determined interview questions are provided in Appendix D.
Subsequent to completion of the interviews, access was provided to records from which
to glean the data necessary to complete this study. In the interest of preserving the anonymity of
personnel indicating that preference, for cohesive purposes this paper distinguishes personnel
according to area of responsibility in the transmission process; i.e. either information requests, or
document requests. The former is identified as the access professional, and the latter as the
records specialist.
Information Requests
Relevant data was extracted from a database maintained by the access professional in the
Deputy Superintendent’s office and provided electronically to facilitate examination of
information requests processed in that environment. The coded raw data is included in Appendix
E, with codebook presented in Appendix F. This sampling included the entire database
comprised of 196 entries during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years. It represents
dissemination of information outside the normal course of department business. Data was
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 24 of 92
examined and evaluated as it relates to the volume of requests, turnaround time from date of
inquiry to completion, entities involved in fulfillment of those requests, parties generating
requests, and topics of interest.
Document Requests
The records specialist in the document management and reception office provided access
to hard copy recordation of document requests spanning an eighteen-month period from January
2009 through June 2010. Data was obtained from copies of letters, e-mail, facsimile
transmissions, and information contained in Document Request and Release Forms that are
utilized by this office. A spreadsheet of pertinent information was prepared with information
derived from these records to facilitate analysis of document transmissions. Coded raw data is
reflected in Appendix G, with codebook shown in Appendix H. All available records were
included in this sampling, resulting in a data set containing 156 document requests. An
assessment was undertaken to reveal modes of inquiry, requesting parties, topics of interest,
manner of resolution, fees collected, volume of requests, and turnaround time. In as much as
nearly seventy percent of document requests pertained to some facet of bidding functions, those
requests were compared with bid status information as currently reflected in the Demandstar
database posted on the department’s web site. Timing of phase-specific requests were referenced
against bid status and the dates indicated for advertisement, submission deadline, and tabulation.
The Media Connection
Archives of The Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel were scanned in an effort to identify
articles containing references to FCM operations. A bibliography was compiled reflecting
publications referencing department personnel from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2010.
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Findings
Information Requests
Information requests are processed by the access professional in accordance with SBBC
policy and by adherence to a directive issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Schools
(Access Professional, interview, September 28, 2010). Procedure dictates that the department of
Public Relations and Governmental Affairs be notified and copied on all information requests for
tracking purposes. The directive appears in Appendix I. Requests are directed to the Deputy
Superintendent of FCM via a referral form, included here in Appendix J, via the Superintendent
subsequent to obtaining a tracking number. Delivery may be effected through interdepartmental
mail, fax, or e-mail.
Upon receipt of a Referral, the access professional provides a copy to the deputy
superintendent for his review. The deputy superintendent responds to matters that he is
knowledgeable about, or assigns the matter to appropriate staff for completion. After logging the
Referral into a database, the access professional delivers the Referral to the staff member to
whom it is assigned. Response is drafted by the individual assignee and provided to the deputy
superintendent for review. Once approved and finalized, the information is transmitted by the
access professional as directed on the Referral. The matter is then logged out of the system and
the Referral is closed.
This procedure has been in place throughout the access professional’s eight-year tenure.
Estimated time expenditure in relation to total workload is five percent. Reported average
turnaround from receipt to fulfillment is two weeks. Unusual circumstances may require
extended time involved in both effort and fulfillment. During the period of this study, a response
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to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement exacted ninety percent of the access
professional’s time during the four weeks needed to complete records compilation.
A review of the information request database reveals one entry covering twenty-one
separate anonymous complaints. Otherwise, each of the remaining 195 entries represent a single
request. Of the 216 information requests processed during the two-year period covered in this
study, 113 were completed during the 2008-2009 fiscal year, and 103 for fiscal year 2009-2010.
Monthly volume ranged from a low of two requests in January 2010, to a high of twenty-seven
requests in July of 2008. Overall completion average was nine requests per month. Volume
trends are shown in Chart 1 in Appendix K.
Turnaround time is graphically presented in Chart 2, Appendix L. Completion time was
calculated in days elapsed from date of inquiry through date of fulfillment. Weekends were
excluded, with no adjustments made for other periods of office closure such as holidays.
Insufficient information was available to ascertain lag time due to Referral processing prior to
receipt by FCM; therefore in some instances the actual processing time while in FCM may be
shorter than the figures reflect. During the two-year period studied eight requests were
completed on the inquiry correspondence date. Performance breakdown is as follows: 45.12
percent were fulfilled within the first week after receipt; an additional 24.65 percent fell within
the second week; the third week an additional 6.98 percent were completed; and by the end of
the fourth week, total completion rate was 76.75 percent. The longest completion time recorded
was 150 days; however, notes included with that entry appear to suggest that the original
correspondence was directed to department staff and subsequently escalated to Referral status.
There is insufficient information available to further clarify timing relative to this outlier.
Additionally, fifth week transmissions are heavily impacted by the twenty-one anonymous
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 27 of 92
complaints previously noted. Their presence is an anomaly discussed further throughout this
analysis. Absent empirical data refuting the supposition that extended fulfillment periods were
due to requests entailing protracted investigation, completion time falls within the parameters
established by SBBC policy and Sunshine requirement. Thus, hypothesis 5 as it pertains to the
information response process is supported.
A leadership change occurred at FCM mid-way through the second year of the period
studied. Turnaround time was further evaluated to provide enlightenment on how the change
impacted completion schedules, with results shown in Chart 3, Appendix M, wherein the two
individuals are designated DS and ADS. Effective December 31, 2009, DS retired after seven
years of service. ADS was appointed Acting Deputy Superintendent as of January 1, 2010. Chart
3 reflects average number of completion days broken into three stages. Stage one covers requests
processed during 2008 through 2009 under DS. During this span process time averaged 10.4
days prior to adjusting for the outlier anonymous complaints, which drops the average to 7.6
days. July through December 2009 comprises the second stage, also on the watch of DS.
Average process time during this period was eleven days. Stage three encompasses January
through June 2010, during which completion time averaged 18.89 days under ADS. This finding
supports hypothesis 4; leadership change impacts the response process.
External influences affecting the timing vary and insufficient data exists to determine
their exact nature; however, this increase during the second stage over the prior year coincides
with the occurrence of significant negative press coverage. Issues of note include the arrest of a
SBBC board member on ethics related charges that included allegations of improprieties in the
contractor selection process, and a scathing audit report submitted by SBBC’s internal auditors
initially in “draft” form and prior to inclusion of a response from FCM. Stage three begins under
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 28 of 92
new leadership with ADS. The 18.89-day average registered on the fulfillment track, when
adjusted for the 150-day response outlier, drops to an average turnaround time of 16.05 days.
Again, there is insufficient data to definitively explain the extended time frame. It is not unlikely
that the issues presented during the preceding six months continued to generate interest, and
perhaps escalated in stage three. Additionally, it is reasonable to presume that ADS required
extended processing time to familiarize himself with the information requested in order to
provide the most accurate responses. This finding provides weak support for hypothesis 3
pertaining to the influence of external factors on the information process.
FCM information requests frequently involve collaboration with other departments
within the division, and other divisions within the district. For the period covered by this study,
88.36 percent of requests were resolved with minimal collaboration, i.e. at most a single
department cooperated in resolution. Among those, 54 percent made no reference to any other
SBBC entity, seventeen percent were either co-opted with or reassigned to Design Services,
twelve percent involved Facilities Management and Property Site Acquisitions, five percent were
referred to the Chief Financial officer, and two percent transferred to document management
with compliance instructions. Single shot participants include an Area Superintendent, the
building department, environmental conservation/utilities management personnel, Employee
Relations, and Human Resources. These relationships are pictured in Chart 4, Appendix N.
Multi-departmental transactions comprise the remaining 13.59 percent of total inquiries and
involved either cooperative processing, or those departments were copied on responses. A
breakdown of departments involved appears in Chart 5 at Appendix N. Collaboration findings
support the expectations stated in hypothesis 6.
Results of the analysis concerning submittals by interested parties provides a snapshot of
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 29 of 92
the diversity in stakeholders participating in the information process over the two-year period,
and is evidenced in Chart 6 at Appendix O. Overhead agencies accounted for 41.4 percent of the
total, and included local, state and federal levels. City and county agencies filed 52 requests
during the time frame, compared to 35 inquires at the state level, and two federal contacts.
Concerned citizens shared the spot for second most contacts at 35. Combined requests from
professionals numbered 25, with contractors, consultants, and subcontractors included in this
subset. Business contacts tendered 22 inquiries, followed by the outlier anonymous group at 21.
Seventeen requests represented inter-departmental activity. Those of undetermined origin were
classified as other. The variety of stakeholders identified in this analysis supports hypothesis 1. A
breakdown of stakeholder requests on a monthly basis is provided in Chart 7, Appendix P. The
outlier anonymous subset stands out in this graph. Mean turnaround time by group is as follows:
business one day, professionals 2.2 days, state agencies eight days, local agencies 3.5 days,
federal agencies 1.5 days, concerned citizens 27 days, and inter-departmental offices nine days.
Subject matter, i.e. the nature of the request, is the final facet analyzed in the information
process. The business subset included offers of services or supplies, property management
matters such as lease issues and common area maintenance, utilities rates, developer site
offerings and impact fees. Professional stakeholders were concerned with contract reassignment,
Notices to Owner and contract issues, the competitive bid process, contractor appeals, additional
fees in connection with extension of services, permitting issues, environmental review, land
lease, site lease, and law suits. Nine projects were identified in this group: Coconut Creek High
School, Westglades Middle School, Coral Glades auditorium, West Pines Middle School,
Colbert Elementary School, Hawkes Bluff Elementary School, and Flamingo Elementary
School.
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 30 of 92
Among the overhead agencies, federal inquiries pertained to economic stimulus, and
school closures guidelines. State agency requests involved public hearings and workshops, the
five-year plan, environmental problems, budget input, class size reduction, revised rules, and
community matters. Among budget considerations were educational plant surveys, PECO
(capital funding), Castaldi reports, the Qualified Zone Academy Bond, and special reports.
Environmental queries pertained to site contamination, and notices of violation. Haitian relief
and public land ownership data complete the list of identified subject matter. City and County
inquiries included lease agreements, map amendments, plat recordation, Inter-local agreements,
concurrency issues, budget issues, maintenance and operating costs, annual energy cost
information, and contract termination status reports. Also included were commendation
information, affordable housing, portables, and a few school specific inquiries. SBBC inter-
departmental queries concerned workshops and hearings, status updates, Inter-local agreements,
concurrency, class size reduction, and portables for Haiti.
General Public inquiries related primarily to specific construction projects including
cafeterias, auditoriums, pool construction, the bus facility, bathrooms, and estimated completion
dates. Concerned citizens also submitted questions regarding bike racks, safety issues, portables,
basketball courts, after hours lighting, under utilized school sites, and raised concerns over
budget cuts. One query was received about the district’s first environmental school, another
sought particulars of contamination notification requirements, and two requests related to non-
indigenous flora. Schools specifically identified in this subset include: three for Plantation High
School, two each for Taravella High School, South Broward High School, and Riverglades
Elementary School, and one for Coral Glades High School, Blanche Ely High School, Driftwood
Middle School, Virginia Schuman Young Elementary School, Hollywood Hills High School,
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Silver Lakes Middle School, Broadview Elementary School, and Lake Forest Elementary
School.
Inquiries submitted anonymously could not be evaluated for subject matter. Submission
of bulk information requests via single Referral was atypical in this study, and no details were
available in the database that would facilitate further analysis. Questions concerning these
transactions remain unanswered due to time constraints, as well as limitations relating to file
accessibility. However, the findings concerning request subject matter offer significant support
for hypothesis 2. There is a strong correlation between stakeholder status and information
requested.
Document Requests
Requests for documents, like information requests, are processed in the manner
prescribed by SBBC policy and procedures (Records Specialist, interview, November 10, 2010).
Current practice dates back approximately two years when procedures were revamped by Public
Relations and Governmental Affairs. Prior to that SBBC’s legal department dictated the process.
Major changes included an improved tracking system, and providing cost estimates prior to
undertaking response action. Requests are generated by facsimile, e-mail, mail, and walk-in
traffic as pictorially represented in Chart 8, Appendix Q. No action is undertaken without first
obtaining a tracking number from Governmental Affairs. The records specialist adheres to a hard
and fast first in, first out rule for handling requests. Exceptions are made only for time sensitive
matters, or by directive from upper management. Optiscan has been in place for approximately
ten years, and has enabled self-service document retrieval by department staff as needed,
resulting in a reduction of interaction between department staff and personnel in the documents
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 32 of 92
management office. Visits from the audit department, however, have increased significantly
since July 2009. Auditors come by on a monthly basis to review documents. Prior visits occurred
two to three times per year.
In discussing possible areas for improvement, the records specialist indicated frustration
in knowing that there are documents that are not being captured. This is a logistical problem
occasioned by the physical plant layout at FCM. The facility is located in an old elementary
school comprised of ten freestanding structures, each with its own facsimile machine. The
records specialist has advocated for having a single facsimile machine for the department at its
new facility when it relocates during the first quarter of next year. A suggestion was also made to
incorporate an online interactive, or e-mail linked public records request on the FCM web site.
Division management is ostensibly considering both suggestions.
As reflected in Appendix R, Chart 9, a review of the data logged for document requests
during the eighteen-month period studied revealed that inquiries peaked at 31 in March of 2009,
and trended downward to a low of one in April 2010. Overall average equates to 8.67
transactions per month. Over eighty-seven percent of responses were provided either by direct
contact between the records specialist’s office, or by giving instructions for retrieval of
information from the FCM web site. Remaining requests were: referred to a project manager,
4.49 percent; outsourced for copy service, 2.56 percent; and 5.13 percent designated as dropped
reflects documents no longer needed by the party making the request. Chart 10, Appendix S
charts these responses. Also in Appendix S is Chart 11, which tracks fees collected. No cost
analysis was conducted, but a look at amounts collected is useful in estimating the size of the
response as it relates to paper usage. Based on reported fees at $.15 per page, sizeable projects
include four in the 50 to 130-page range, four between 130 and 200 pages, four with page counts
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 33 of 92
ranging from 200 to 330 pages, three comprised of 330 to 530 pages, and one at more than 530
pages. About four and a half percent of document requests were outsourced, but no indication
was given concerning either the cost or the number of pages involved.
Parties submitting document requests during the eighteen-month period evaluated were
categorized into the following subsets: architects, attorneys, consultants, contractors, media,
subcontractors, and other. Contractors submitted the bulk of requests at 81 percent of total
inquiries. As revealed in Chart 12, Appendix T, they were followed by attorneys ranked at eight
percent, subcontractors with four percent, consultants showing three percent, architects
comprising two percent, and both media and other subsets registering at one percent. Though less
diverse than stakeholders involved in the information process, this finding provides further
support for hypothesis 1.
Comparison of graphic renderings reveals a strong correlation between requesting parties
and subject matter. Appendix U, Chart 13 depicts the overall breakdown by subject, and Chart14
reflects the breakdown of queries concerning document inquiries unrelated to the bid process.
Bid ads, bid process, pre-bid, and post bid requests account for over seventy percent of total
document requests. After segregating these transactions from the total, project specific
information, drawings and specifications, and payment inquiries topped requests at twenty
percent each. Contract documents ranked mid-range at a 13.33 percent share. Appointments for
review only purposes, i.e. no copies delivered, comprised 8.89 percent of total, as did requests
for QSEC documents and miscellaneous information. This data on document subject matter
offers additional strong support for hypothesis 2. Overall monthly volume distribution is as
reflected in Chart 15, Appendix V.
Inasmuch as bid-related documents dominated the fulfillment process during this
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 34 of 92
eighteen-month period, this subset was further evaluated by comparing requests with information
currently contained in the Demandstar database posted on the FCM website. Dates provided in
that database pertaining to advertisement, submittal deadline, and score tabulation were tracked
against pre-bid and post bid request data. In this instance, pre-bid incorporated the bid ads and
bid process request categories. The results are displayed in Chart 16, Appendix W. At first blush
it appears that there is an anomaly in that post bid document requests preceded bid process
completion. It is possible that there was some misinterpretation concerning data retrieved from
hard copy records; however, review of inquiry responses provides another probable indication.
Of the nearly twenty percent of requests fulfilled through referral to the FCM website, the
majority related to post bid matters including requests for score sheets, awarded contracts, bid
tabulations, and similar items. Many were submitted prior to award of contract and included
notification concerning the timing involved in the bid process.
Evaluation results pertaining to response time for this office should be reasonably
accurate. Each request, with few exceptions, referenced date of inquiry, date of receipt by FCM,
and fulfillment date. Nearly sixty percent of responses are completed the same day as the inquiry
was received. Within two days, total deliveries constituted eighty percent of total received. Chart
17, Appendix X graphs fulfillment trends. Longer response times on the balance of transactions
can be attributed to the size of the request, i.e. total number of documents involved in a single
request, delays occasioned by awaiting approval of cost estimates, and time elapsed in
attempting to fulfill dropped requests, e.g. the party no longer needed or wanted the documents
requested. This data indicates excellent response time. As the data relating to production of
documents is more reliable than the results obtained concerning the information process, this
finding offers more convincing support of hypothesis 5 that FCM is in compliance with SBBC
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policy and Sunshine laws.
The Media Connection
As originally conceptualized, it was contemplated that this study would include
evaluation of media impact on FCM’s information management process. Little was uncovered in
the way of media information requests in the data available for review. Only two requests
directly attributable to media usage were found. One was a request from a student journalist
concerning construction projects. The other came from a Sun-Sentinel reporter seeking
documents pertaining to an ADA contract administration issue. An article questioning the
propriety of the contract award was published nine days after the documents were delivered.
Media representatives make direct contact with the Deputy Superintendent’s office. Only
requests for documents flow through the Referral process. FCM follows media contact protocol
as posted on the Public Relations and Government Affairs website. Additionally, journalists are
able to obtain information via other sources such as the minutes for school board meetings and
workshops, as well as from the offices of the superintendent and board members.
A review of The Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel archives for the period July 1, 2008
through June 30, 2010, produced a significant volume of articles. Excluding letters to the editor,
those containing mention of the DS and ADS that related in some manner to SBBC operations
involving FCM are chronicled in a bibliography of those articles which appears in Appendix Y.
Relatively little coverage occurred during the first year of this study; eight articles were returned
the query response. There was an 850 percent increase in articles published from June 1st through
December 31, 2009. Coverage decreased from January 1st through June 30, 2010, to
approximately 41 percent of the volume for the preceding six-month period.
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 36 of 92
The absence of any empirical data relating to media contact in the information requests
logs or document requests records, compounded by the time constraints of this project precludes
further evaluation at this time. Attempting to make any correlation between the media and the
department’s information management process would constitute an undertaking that exceeds the
scope of this study. Accordingly, although partially supported by findings on the information
process, additional analysis is required to properly test hypothesis 3 concerning the impact of
external factors and media coverage.
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 37 of 92
Recommendations
Based on the results of this evaluation FCM’s information request process and document
request process appear to be functioning efficiently. Should there be an interest in improving or
enhancing these processes, this report contains sufficient data that can be used to identify
possible areas for improvement.
Addressing the Records Specialist’s concerns regarding documents not being captured,
the suggestion that the department have a single facsimile source is highly recommended, and
can be easily implemented upon relocation to new facilities. In the interim, a potential
mechanism to help facilitate document capture might be to post a notice by each of the facsimile
machines spread across the campus reminding personnel of the need to ensure proper handling of
documents. This message could be reinforced by a repeat appearance of quality control concerns
on staff meeting agendas.
The suggestion, also offered by the Records Specialist, that a web-based document
request system be implemented also has merit and bears further consideration. Electronic
processing of document requests would enhance control and monitoring. An update of the
Contracts portion of the web site should also be considered to enhance effectiveness, with
completion to coincide with implementation of any web-based interactive system. Revamping
the site to provide information on the bidding and contract award process in a more user-friendly
format for the benefit of stakeholders is recommended. As an aside, the Departments & Directors
list posted on SBBC’s web site needs to be updated concerning Facilities personnel.
The Records Specialist advised that the Document Request and Receipt form is obsolete
and in the process of being revised. Along the lines of document revision, consideration should
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 38 of 92
be given to creating a form web-referral response on department letterhead that can be
transmitted electronically by e-mail, or sent by facsimile. The practice employed in distributing
instructions on how to access bid tabulations, for example, was to affix typewritten instructions
to a copy of the original request which was then sent back by facsimile to the party who placed
the inquiry. A form on official letterhead has a more professional appearance.
There is one final recommendation. The information professional and documents
specialist have extensive knowledge and experience with FCM’s information process. In the
eventuality that either should retire or otherwise vacate their position, consideration should be
given to succession planning with regard to these vital functions.
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APPENDIX A
Precedent-Setting FOIA Litigation
EPA v. Mink, 410 U.S. 73 (1973) – agencies must release segregable information from partially
exempt document.
Vaugn v. Rosen, 484 F.2d 820 (D.C. Cir. 1973) – Vaughn index of withheld documents must be
prepared and justification for withholding provided.
National Parks & Conservation Assn. v. Morton, 498 F.2d 765 (D.C. Cir. 1974) – establishes
tests for whether information provided to the government can be withheld as
“confidential”.
NLRB v. Sears, Roebuck & Co.IU, 421 U.S. 132 (1975) – elaboration on deliberative process.
Open America v. Watergate Special Prosecution Force, 547 F.2d 605 (D.C. Cir. 1976) –
procedures for agencies in handling backlogs of FOIA requests, and circumstances under
which an agency can obtain an Open America stay. (Open America stay subsequently
restricted by the 1996 Amendment)
Phillippi v. CIA, 546 F.2d 1009 (D.C. Cir. 1976) – approval of agency response of “neither
confirm nor deny” under national security exemption.
Kissinger v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 445 U.S. 136 (1980) – the Office of
the President is not an agency for purposes of FOIA.
Forsham v. Harris, 445 U.S. 169 (1980) – agency must first either create or obtain a record
before it becomes an “agency record”.
U.S. Dep’t of State v. Washington Post Co., 456 U.S. 595 (1982) – affords broad interpretation to
personnel, medical, and similar files.
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APPENDIX A-2
Precedent Setting FOIA Litigation-2
FBI v. Abramson, 456 U.S. 615 (1982) – information originally compiled for law enforcement
purpose and the recompiled into a non-law enforcement records can still be protected.
U.S. Dep’t of Justice v. Julian, 486 U.S. 1 (1988) – FOIA exemption should not be invoked to
protect the requester from him/herself.
U.S. Dep’t of Justice v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749 (1989) –
guidance on privacy interests, on defining ”public interest”, and balancing interests.
U.S. Dep’t of Justice v. Tax Analysts, 492 U.S. 136 (1989) – record must be under the agency’s
control at the time of the FOIA request.
Critical Mass Energy Project v. NRC, 975 F.2d 871 (D.C. Cir. 1992) – new test for protecting
information that has been “voluntarily” provided.
U.S. Dep’t of Justice v. Landano, 508 U.S. 165 (1993) – agency must show specific
circumstances to have an expectation of confidentiality.
Armstrong v. Executive Office of he President, 1 F.3d 1274 (D.C. Cir. 1993) – both electronic
and printed versions of e-mail message may be federal records. Agencies may be sued for
not meeting obligations to manage e-mail records. Provision for court review of
President’s guidelines for managing presidential records.
(Nisbet, 2000)
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APPENDIX B
Florida Constitution: Article I – Declaration of Rights
SECTION 24. Access to public records and meetings. —
(a) Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in
connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or
persons acting on their behalf, except with respect to records exempted pursuant to this section or
specifically made confidential by this Constitution. This section specifically includes the
legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and each agency or department
created thereunder; counties, municipalities, and districts; and each constitutional officer, board,
and commission, or entity created pursuant to law or this Constitution.
I This section shall be self-executing. The legislature, however, may provide by general law
passed by a two-thirds vote of each house for the exemption of records from the requirements of
subsection … , provided that such law shall state with specificity the public necessity justifying
the exemption and shall be no broader than necessary to accomplish the stated purpose of the
law. The legislature shall enact laws governing the enforcement of this section, including the
maintenance, control, destruction, disposal, and disposition of records made public by this
section, except that each house of the legislature may adopt rules governing the enforcement of
this section in relation to records of the legislative branch. Laws enacted pursuant to this
subsection shall contain only exemptions from the requirements of subsections (a) or (b) and
provisions governing the enforcement of this section, and shall relate to one subject.
(d) All laws that are in effect on July 1, 1993 that limit public access to records or meetings
shall remain in force, and such laws apply to records of the legislative and judicial branches,
until they are repealed. Rules of court that are in effect on the date of adoption of this section that
limit access to records shall remain in effect until they are repealed.
History.—Added, C.S. for C.S. for H.J.R.’s 1727, 863, 2035, 1992; adopted 1992; Am. S.J.R. 1284, 2002; adopted 2002 (State of Florida).
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APPENDIX C
SBBC Policy Number1343.000
“1 3 4 3 INSPECTION & EXAMINATION OF PUBLIC RECORDSEVERY PERSON WHO HAS CUSTODY OF A PUBLIC RECORD SHALL PERMIT. THE RECORD TO BE INSPECTED AND EXAMINED BY ANY PERSON DESIRING TO DO SO, AT ANY REASONABLE TIME, UNDER REASONABLE CONDITIONS AND UNDER SUPERVISION BY THE CUSTODIAN (DESIGNEE) OF THE PUBLIC RECORD. THE RULES LISTED BELOW SHALL COVER THE CHARGES FOR THIS SERVICE.
AUTHORITY: F. S. 230.22 (1) (2)F. S. 119.07 Policy Adopted: 1 0 / 1 6 / 9 0 AMENDED RULES APPROVED: 6 / 2 / 9 2
RULES
1 . For duplicated copies of not more than 14” x 8 1/2” in size, a fee of fifteen (15) cents per one-sided copy shall be charged. For all other copies, the actual cost of the copy shall be charged. For purposes of this rule, “actual cost” shall mean the cost of materials and supplies used to duplicate the record, but not the labor cost or overhead cost.
2 . The Board shall charge an additional five (5) cents (total of twenty {20} cents) for each two-sided duplicated copy.
3 . The Board authorizes the Superintendent to charge an additional reasonable charge for the labor and overhead associated with the duplication of oversized documents, such as maps, photographs, blueprints, computer reports and labels, etc.
4 . If the nature or volume of public records requested to be inspected, examined, or copied is such as to require extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance by district personnel, the Superintendent (designee) may charge in addition to the actual cost of the duplication, the labor cost of the personnel providing the service. For purposes of this rule, “extensive” means that it will take more than fifteen (15) minutes to locate, review for confidential information, copy and refile the requested material.
5. 4. The Board may charge up to one dollar ($1.00) per copy for a certified
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copy of a public record.
AUTHORITY: F. S. 230.22 (1) (2)F. S. 119.07RULES ADOPTED: 10/16/90 AMENDED RULES ADOPTED: 6/2/92” (School Board of Broward County, nd a).
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APPENDIX D
Interview Questions
This purpose of this interview is to obtain and clarify information pertaining to FCM’s
procedures relative to responding to information requests. I am conducting an analytical study
for academic purposes; however, it is intended that the project have potential benefit to the
department.
Before we begin, do I have permission to use your name in my report, or would you prefer to
remain anonymous?
Yes _______ No _______
Please answer the following questions as completely as possible.
1. Does FCM currently have written procedures for responding to requests for information?
a. If so, is it possible for me to obtain a copy?
b. If not, I would like to ask you to help me to define the current process by providing
details concerning the procedure followed in responding to information requests.
i. How does the department receive information requests?
ii. What is done with a request for information after it is received?
iii. How is a response to information request delivered?
iv. What is the turnaround time from initial receipt of information request to
completion and delivery of response?
v. Is there anything else that will help to provide a clear understanding of the
process?
2. How long has the current procedure been in effect?
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APPENDIX D-2
Interview Questions-2
3. If the procedure changed within the two-year period from 7/1/2008 and 6/30/2010, how
does the previous procedure differ from the current procedure?
4. This study involves fiscal years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Is it possible for you to
provide an estimate of the percentage of time you expended on information requests in
relation to your overall duties? If so, what would that percentage be on a monthly basis?
5. To the extent that you supervise other staff that participates in the information response
process, what percentage of staff time is expended on information requests on a monthly
basis?
Thank you for your time, and for providing me with information that will be useful to me in
completing my analysis.
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APPENDIX E
FCM Information Requests Raw Data
Referral # Date Turnaround Requester Responder09-178 0902 5 BTU ?10-186 1002 49 CA ASUP10-135 1002 8 B BLDG09-792 0906 4 SA BLDG08-1880 0812 2 FA CFO08-1645 0810 5 SA CFO
Aug-51 0812 2 SA CFO09-206 0812 53 SA CFO09-470 0904 3 SA CFO09-1030 0908 8 SA CFO09-1205 0909 8 SA CFO09-428 0904 1 Z CFO09-748 0906 1 Z CFO09-862 0907 1 FA CFO/ASUPS10-401 1004 87 CA CTACE09-465 0904 s SA DC08-1326 0808 3 C DOCMGT09-421 0904 44 SUB DOCMGT09-1163 0909 8 SUB DOCMGT09-1473 0911 2 SUB DOCMGT08-1230 0807 1 CA DS08-1825 0811 2 CA DS08-1826 0811 2 CA DS08-1853 0811 7 CA DS09-117 0902 6 CA DS09-251 0902 3 CA DS09-375 0903 2 CA DS09-376 0903 2 CA DS09-445 0904 2 CA DS09-446 0904 2 CA DS09-458 0904 2 CA DS09-1033 0908 2 CA DS09-1076 0908 7 CA DS09-1244 0910 8 CA DS09-1271 0910 17 CA DS09-1347 0910 6 CA DS09-1364 0910 5 CA DS09-1440 0911 8 CA DS09-1448 0911 5 CA DS10-121 1001 1 CA DS10-283WR 1003 2 CA DS10-364 1003 7 CA DS10-532 1005 9 CA DS
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APPENDIX E-2
FCM Information Requests Raw Data-2
Referral # Date Turnaround Requester Responder10-533 1005 9 CA DS10-542 1005 9 CA DS10-636 1005 6 CA DS08-1762 0811 2 SA DS08-1761 0811 2 SA DS
Sep-61 0902 13 SA DSSep-62 0902 13 SA DS
08-1433 0810 83 Z DS09-885 0908 27 Z DS09-359 0903 1 CA DS/LEG
Oct-90 1002 1 B EC/UM10-273 1003 7 CA EC/UM
Sep-85 0901 4 DS ER09-363 0905 21 ANON FAC08-1235 0808 11 B FAC08-1531 0809 4 B FAC08-1808 0811 1 B FAC09-269 0903 3 B FAC09-815 0907 1 B FAC09-834 0907 56 BM FAC09-171 0902 8 BM FAC09-543 0905 6 BM FAC09-161 0902 9 C FAC08-1257 0808 1 CA FAC08-1625 0810 8 CA FAC09-1124 0911 61 CA FAC09-420 0904 4 CONS FAC09-106 0901 3 L FAC08-1167 0807 s S FAC08-1135 0808 9 S FAC08-1506 0809 3 S FAC08-1731 0811 10 S FAC08-1506 0809 77 S FAC
Aug-89 0901 8 S FAC08-1105 0807 4 SA FAC08-1353 0808 s SA FAC08-1379 0809 2 SA FAC08-1458 0809 6 SA FAC
13-Aug 0812 1 SA FAC09-266 0903 3 SA FAC09-374 0903 2 SA FAC09-562 0905 6 SA FAC09-1133 0909 10 SA FAC
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APPENDIX E-3
FCM Information Requests Raw Data-3
Referral # Date Turnaround Requester Responder09-1134 0909 10 SA FAC09-1419 0911 10 SA FAC09-1511 0912 7 SA FAC09-1491 0912 1 SA FAC09-330 0905 1 School FAC09-1415 0911 4 SUB FAC09-612 0904 14 TF FAC09-612 0905 s TF FAC08-1502 0809 4 Z FAC08-1677 0812 5 Z FAC08-1724 0810 s Z FAC
Sep-57 0912 s Z FAC5-Aug 0901 12 Z FAC
09-230 0902 13 Z FAC09-857 0907 15 Z FAC09-1109 0909 13 Z FAC09-1117 0909 13 Z FAC09-1131 0910 43 Z FAC09-1232 0910 1 Z FAC09-1500 0912 6 Z FAC08-1431 0809 s Z FAC09-191 0902 6 B FAC09-796 0809 27 CA FAC09-882 0907 7 S FAC09-740 0906 2 SA FAC09-794 0906 1 SA FAC09-1316 0910 16 SUB FAC09-885 0908 27 Z FAC09-1500 0912 1 Z FAC
Oct-89 1002 2 B FAC10-309 1004 25 C FAC10-500 1007 87 C FAC10-501 1007 87 C FAC10-502 1007 87 C FAC10-503 1007 87 C FAC10-706 1006 6 C FAC10-125 1002 7 CA FAC10-390 1004 8 CA FAC10-506 1005 5 SA FAC
Oct-91 1001 1 Z FAC10-205 1002 6 Z FAC10-220 1002 4 Z FAC10-312 1003 8 Z FAC
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APPENDIX E-4
FCM Information Requests Raw Data-4
Referral # Date Turnaround Requester Responder10-554 1007 77 Z FAC10-656 1006 11 Z FAC10-657 1006 10 Z FAC10-665 1006 20 Z FAC10-668 1006 20 Z FAC10-678 1006 9 Z FAC10-681 1006 9 Z FAC
Sep-31 0901 3 SA FAC/ASUP/SCH/FCM/DOCMGT09-1510 0912 7 SA FAC/CFO09-439 0904 2 SA FAC/CFO/FCP/FCM09-1547 0912 1 A FAC/CONR10-214 1007 150 C FAC/CON10-361 1003 3 C FAC/CON09-545 0905 1 CA FAC/DC08-1781 0811 2 SA FAC/DOCMGT/FCM09-1296 0911 30 C FAC/DS08-1798 0811 2 B FAC/FCM
1-Sep 0901 7 B FAC/FCM09-1449 0911 5 SUB FAC/FCM08-1451 0809 7 C FAC/FCM09-1331 0911 14 Z FAC/FCM09-791 0907 21 TF FAC/FCM09-285 0903 7 Z FAC/FCM09-222 0906 69 Z FAC/FCM/FCP09-363 0906 1 Z FAC/FCP/FCM09-898 0908 21 CA FAC/FMPSA08-1098 0808 14 B FAC/FMPSA09-949 0908 21 B FAC/FMPSA09-561 0906 13 CA FAC/FMPSA09-871 0907 5 CA FAC/FMPSA09-1004 0909 41 CA FAC/FMPSA/DC/GREL09-896 0907 6 B FCM09-977 0908 1 S FCP09-933 0907 3 TF FCP09-932 0907 2 TF FCP08-1169 0807 5 D FMPSA08-914 0807 3 L FMPSA09-1297 0910 4 B FMPSA09-1483 0911 14 B FMPSA09-1524 0912 5 B FMPSA08-1413 0809 5 CA FMPSA08-1898 0812 2 CA FMPSA09-105 0901 3 CA FMPSA
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APPENDIX E-5
FCM Information Requests Raw Data-5
Referral # Date Turnaround Requester Responder09-162 0902 5 CA FMPSA10-269 1003 8 CA FMPSA10-377 1004 7 CA FMPSA10-527 1004 3 CA FMPSA09-1021 0908 1 CONS FMPSA09-795 0906 1 D FMPSA09-1380 0911 4 D FMPSA09-1380 0911 3 D FMPSA09-177 0902 8 O FMPSA08-1232 0807 1 SA FMPSA
Sep-38 0901 5 SA FMPSA09-1065 0910 2 TC FMPSA09-985 0908 6 CA FMPSA/LEG10-643 1005 3 O HR09-842 0907 5 L LEG10-633 1005 3 SUB LEG09-801 0907 s TC LEG09-840 0907 8 CA LEG/DS10-272 1003 7 CA PPO10-637 1005 12 B PPO10-691 1006 7 Z PPO09-1397 0911 17 SA SAF09-744 0906 8 CA FMPSA08-1377 0809 2 L FMPSA
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APPENDIX F
FCM Information Requests Code Book
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APPENDIX G
FCM Document Requests Raw Data
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APPENDIX G-2
FCM Document Requests Raw Data-2
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APPENDIX G-3
FCM Document Requests Raw Data-3
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APPENDIX G-4
FCM Document Requests Raw Data-4
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APPENDIX H
FCM Document Requests Codebook
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APPENDIX I
Superintendent’s Directive
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APPENDIX J
Referral
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APPENDIX K
Chart 1 – Monthly Volume
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APPENDIX L
Chart 2 – Turnaround Time
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APPENDIX M
Chart 3 – Average Turnaround – Leadership
Track
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APPENDIX N
Chart 4 – Single Department Processing
Chart 5 – Multi-Department Processing
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APPENDIX O
Chart 6 – Requesting Parties
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APPENDIX P
Chart 7 – Monthly Breakdown by Stakeholder
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APPENDIX Q
Chart 8 – Request Receipt Methods
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APPENDIX R
Chart 9 – Monthly Volume
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APPENDIX S
Chart 10 – Transaction Resolution
Chart 11 – Fees Collected
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APPENDIX T
Chart 10 – Requesting Parties
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APPENDIX U
Chart 13 – Topic
Chart 14 – Topic (Other than Bid-Related)
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APPENDIX V
Chart 15 – Volume Distribution by Topic
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APPENDIX W
Chart 16 – Bid Process/Document Request Comparison
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APPENDIX X
Chart 17 – Turnaround
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APPENDIX Y
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010
Sun-Sentinel
East and Kathy Bushouse Staff Writers, G. (2008, November 12). PLAN TO SEND PORTABLES TO HAITI DELAYED A BIT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 6B.
Odiduro Staff Writer, S. (2008, December 14). SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS NEW DIGS - HOLLYWOOD'S ORANGE BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HAS RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW FACILITY. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (South East Broward ed.), 1.
Scott Wyman at 3, P. (2009, March 10). SCHOOL BOARD LIKELY TO DISCUSS MIXED SIGNALS ON HOUSING. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
Odiduro Staff Writer, S. (2009, March 29). WATER WORKS - HOLLYWOOD STARTS WATER LINE PROJECT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (South East Broward ed.), 1.
CRINKLAW dcrinklaw@tribune.com, D. (2009, April 23). NORTH SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A LIKELY SITE FOR 'GREEN' OVERHAUL. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1.
HYDE Commentary, D. (2009, May 4). BIG STEP, HARD FALL - LIGHTS OUT IN GEORGIA: HAWKS OUST HEAT IN GAME 7 DEBACLE ALL IS NOT LOST: UGLY FINISH, BUT FUTURE LOOKS PRETTY PROMISING. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1C.
MAYO COMMENTARY, M. (2009, July 9). DID BROWARD SCHOOLS GET SOAKED AFTER HURRICANE?. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, July 10). REPAIRS AUDIT WRONG, SCHOOLS OFFICIALS SAY - WORK AFTER WILMA WAS DONE AT DISCOUNT, DIRECTOR INSISTS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Akilah Johnson on July 16, P. (2009, July 16). LOBBYIST RON BOOK WEIGHS IN ON THE SAGA OF THE HURRICANE REPAIR AUDIT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
Anthony Man on July 16, P. (2009, July 16). LOBBYIST RON BOOK WEIGHS IN ON THE SAGA OF THE HURRICANE REPAIR AUDIT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 74 of 92
APPENDIX Y-2
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 2
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, July 24). OUTSIDE AUDITOR TO LOOK AT SCHOOL REPAIR COSTS - BROWARD DISTRICT CHIEF SEEKS REVIEW OF $765,608 IN BILLS PANEL DISPUTED AFTER WILMA. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
McMahon Staff Writer, P. (2009, September 24). 'WE ARE NOT DONE,' PROSECUTORS WARN BROWARD PUBLIC OFFICIALS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 10A.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, September 25). AUDITORS WARNED OF FRAUD FOR YEARS - TROUBLES HAVE PLAGUED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMBOARD MEMBER GALLAGHER BOASTED OF HER CLOUT, FBI SAYS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
McMahon, P. (2009, September 26). GRAND JURY SET IN CORRUPTION INQUIRY. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Palm Beach ed.), 1B.
McMahon, P. (2009, September 26). GRAND JURY SCHEDULED IN CORRUPTION INQUIRY - FEDERAL AGENTS RETURN TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS IN BROWARD GOVERNMENT HALLS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Bushouse and Dana Williams Staff Writers, K. (2009, September 27). WITH ENROLLMENT DOWN, SOME SCHOOLS REBUILDING - CAMPUSES IN WEST BROWARD ARE CROWDED WHILE OTHERS IN EAST GET UNNEEDED MONEY, CRITICS SAY. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Mazzei and Hannah Sampson The Miami Herald, P. (2009, September 27). WATCHDOGS LONG VIEWED SCHOOL BUILDING CONTRACTS - CRITICS IN BROWARD NOT SURPRISED BY FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO HOW BOARD AWARDED MILLIONS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 3B.
McMahon, P. (2009, September 29). FBI CHECKING INTO CHARITY'S FINANCES - GROUP HELPED DRAW YOUTH TO GAME OF GOLF. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Palm Beach ed.), 6B.
McMahon, P. (2009, September 29). FBI CHECKS EGGELLETION CHARITY FINANCES - GROUP HELPED YOUTH GET INVOLVED WITH GOLF. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Wyman, S. (2009, September 30). BROWARD OFFICIALS SHOWS UP, BUT SUBPEONA
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APPENDIX Y-3
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 3
ERRED. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, October 2). CORRUPTION INQUIRY DRAWS SCHOOL BOARD INTO BAD LIGHT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, October 10). SPIRALING COSTS - CONSTANT MODIFICATIONS STALL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, WASTE TAX DOLLARS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
O'Matz, M. (2009, October 20). BOARD MEMBER ADVOCATED FOR $500,000 FEE BREAK – KRAFT FAILED TO DISCLOSE CONNECTION. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, October 21). NEW SCHOOL A STUDY IN BUILDING TROUBLES - CONSULTANT PREDICTED WOES FOR ELEMENTARY THAT SPARKED BACKLASH IN NEIGHBORHOOD. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, October 23). SCHOOL BUS DEPOT CONCERNS EASE. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 3B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2009, October 31). FRIENDSHIP OPENS DOOR TO BUILDING OPPORTUNITY - SCHOOL AUDITORS CITE LACK OF CERTIFICATION. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Brittany Wallman on November 4, P. (2009, November 4). SCHOOL BOARDERS ARGUE OVER PRESENCE OF POLITICIANS ON SELECTION COMMITTEE. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
O'Matz Staff Writer, M. (2009, November 4). SCHOOL OFFICIALS DEBATE REFORMS - CORRUPTION INQUIRY PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON BUILDING DECISIONS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Kathy Bushouse on December 1, P. (2009, December 1). BROWARD SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTION CHIEF GARRETSON TO RETIRE DEC. 31. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
O'Matz and Kathy Bushouse Staff Writers, M. (2009, December 2). BROWARD SCHOOLS' BUILDING CHIEF QUITS - GARRETSON, DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN UNDER FIRE AMID FBI INVESTIGATION. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
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APPENDIX Y-4
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 4
Johnson Staff Writers, A. (2009, December 3). SEARCH ON FOR SCHOOLS POST. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 8B.
Johnson, A. (2009, December 7). TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS REASSIGNED. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 2B.
O'Matz, M. (2009, December 10). SCHOOLS WAIT YEARS TO SEEK REFUNDS - BROWARD HAS RECOVERED ABOUT $4 MILLION RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION SINCE'06. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
O'Matz Staff Writer, M. (2009, December 11). DAYS AFTER GALLAGHER ARREST, OFFICIAL SOUGHT PENSION. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 3B.
Burstein Staff Writer, J. (2009, December 27). 2009 - A LOOK BACK: CORRUPTION - A FLASHY ATTORNEY, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AND A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WERE AMONG THOSE CAUGHT UP IN FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Kathy Bushouse on January 4, P. (2010, January 4). INTERIM LEADER NAMED FOR FACILITIES DEPARTMENT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
Bushouse Staff Writer, K. (2010, January 20). SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION CUTS JEOPARDIZE JOBS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Bushouse Staff Writer, K. (2010, February 18). ARCHITECT MAY SUE OVER SCRAPPED SCHOOL PLANS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2010, March 2). ARCHITECT FIRM RECEIVED PAY FOR UNBUILT SCHOOL - SCHOOL DISTRICT KEPT PAYING DESPITE SCRAPPING PLANS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
Johnson Staff Writer, A. (2010, March 3). BOARD KILLS CONTRACT FOR SCHOOL PLANS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 3B.
Akilah Johnson on March 17, P. (2010, March 17). BROWARD SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT ON FACILITIES AUDIT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Online ed.), Web.
O'Matz Staff Writer, M. (2010, March 17). BROWARD SCHOOLS AUDIT FINDS ABUSES - OVERBILLING, MASSIVE OVERTIME ON LONG LIST. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
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APPENDIX Y-5
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 5
McMahon and Kathy Bushouse Staff Writers, P. (2010, March 18). GALLAGHER PLEADS GUILTY TO BRIBERY, RESIGNS SEAT - DEFENSE, PROSECUTION RECOMMEND SENTENCE OF 3 YEARS, 1 MONTH. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
O'Matz Staff Writer, M. (2010, March 18). SCHOOLS' MUDDLE MAY COST TAXPAYERS. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Mazzei The Miami Herald, P. (2010, April 23). ETHICS PANEL WANTS TO REIN IN BOARD MEMBERS - TRIO LOOKING AT HOW DISTRICT OPERATES. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 12A.
Sivasankaran Staff writer, A. (2010, April 25). WORK ON STADIUM AT ISSUE - DONOR WANTS MONEY BACK IF PARKLAND SCHOOL PROJECT ISN'T COMPLETED SOON. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (North West Broward ed.), 1.
O'Matz Sun Sentinel, M. (2010, April 30). DISTRICT SCRUTINIZES BILLS FOR TWO SCHOOL PROJECTS - OFFICIALS PAYING CONSULTANT TO CLEAR UP QUESTIONS OVER HOW MILLIONS WERE SPENT. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
O'Matz Sun Sentinel, M. (2010, May 19). SCHOOLS STAFFERS TOLD TO HIRE ARCHITECT - COMMISSIONER'S HUSBAND LANDED WORK. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
Johnson Sun Sentinel, A. (2010, May 27). BOB PARKS WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION - SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DECIDES NOT RUN AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS OF SERVICE. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
McMahon Sun Sentinel, P. (2010, May 28). GALLAGHER: I ABUSED ALCOHOL, PAIN PILLS - FALLEN POLITICIAN SEEKS LENIENT PRISON TERM. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1A.
O'Matz Sun Sentinel, M. (2010, June 8). BUILDING AT COOPER CITY HIGH IS SINKING. Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) (Broward Metro ed.), 1B.
The Miami Herald
SOLER, E. (2009, March 15). HOLLYWOOD: Construction begins on long-delayed Hollywood school - A long-delayed and controversial elementary school project on Lincoln Street in
FCM Information ManagementJ. Rada Page 78 of 92
APPENDIX Y-6
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 6
Hollywood is finally under construction.. Miami Herald, The (FL) (BW ed.), BW1.
SOLER Special to The Miami Herald, E. (2009, March 15). School's construction begins. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1BE.
JOHNSON, A. (2009, July 10). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Construction officials: Repairs audit wrong - Contractors making repairs after Hurricane Wilma did not overcharge the school district, officials said.. Miami Herald, The (FL) (D1 ed.), B7.
WEAVER, J. (2009, September 23). 3 Broward politicians arrested in FBI corruption stings. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
WEAVER, J. (2009, September 24). FEDERAL INVESTIGATION: 3 Broward politicians arrested in FBI public corruption stings - A county commissioner, School Board member and former Miramar commissioner have been charged in separate fraud cases. The FBI probe continues, with a focus on alleged corruption in the county's school building program.. Miami Herald, The (FL) A1.
WEAVER, J. (2009, September 24). 3 politicians are implicated in FBI sting. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 1A.
WEAVER, J. (2009, September 24). Three Broward politicians arrested. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1A.
MAZZEI AND HANNAH SAMPSON, P. (2009, September 27). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Broward schools construction scandal was expected, watchdogs say - Some Broward school district observers say they are not surprised by the arrest of a School Board member after raising questions for years about the way contracts are awarded.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
MAZZEI AND HANNAH SAMPSON pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, September 27). Watchdogs: Arrest of Gallagher not a shock. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 6B.
SHERMAN, A. (2009, October 1). BROWARD COUNTY: New details of Broward corruption probe emerge - A Sunrise commissioner worked alongside the FBI in a corruption probe that continues to explore school and county contracts.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
SHERMAN, A. (2009, October 1). New details of Broward corruption probe emerge. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 5B.
SHERMAN, A. (2009, October 1). New probe details emerge. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1B.
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APPENDIX Y-7
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 7
MAZZEI, P. (2009, October 2). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Broward School Board talks over 'big problems' - The Broward school district faces a rocky road ahead in its relations with the public. On Thursday, board members got some of their concerns off their chests.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B4.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, October 2). Board talks over 'big problems'. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 4B.
MAZZEI AND HANNAH SAMPSON, P. (2009, October 20). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Ethics question arises over Broward School Board member Stephanie Kraft - Broward school district records show a School Board member's husband had ties to a developer -- and she was pushing for a deal with that company.. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
SAMPSON AND PATRICIA MAZZEI, H. (2009, October 20). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Broward School Board members ask: More ethics lessons, please - Broward school district records show a School Board member's husband had ties to a developer -- and she was pushing for a deal with that company.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, October 20). Watchdogs urge Broward school district to act quicker over audits. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, October 20). Broward school audit watchdogs say quicker action needed. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
MAZZEI AND HANNAH SAMPSON pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, October 20). Kraft ethics question arises. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1B.
HIAASEN AND PATRICIA MAZZEI, S. (2009, October 21). Sting led to arrest of Broward School Board member. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, October 21). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Watchdogs urge Broward school district to act quicker over audits - The Broward school district's audit watchdogs say administrators need to take quicker action to address issues raised in worrisome audits.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
SAMPSON AND PATRICIA MAZZEI, H. (2009, October 21). BROWARD SCHOOL BOARD: Broward School Board members air their ethics ideas - A refresher on state ethics laws is on some Broward School Board members' minds, as is a crackdown on campaign contributions.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B2.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, October 21). Action urged over audits. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 1B.
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APPENDIX Y-8
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 8
SAMPSON AND PATRICIA MAZZEI hsampson@MiamiHerald.com, H. (2009, October 21). Board members seek ethics lessons. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 2B.
HIAASEN AND PATRICIA MAZZEI, S. (2009, October 22). BROWARD SCHOOLS: New details emerge in FBI's kickback sting on Broward School Board - An undercover FBI agent used a fake name but a real glass company to pull off a sting that led to the arrest of Broward School Board member Beverly Gallagher.. Miami Herald, The (FL) A1.
HIAASEN AND PATRICIA MAZZEI shiaasen@MiamiHerald.com, S. (2009, October 22). Mystery man was pivotal in FBI sting. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1A.
HIAASEN AND PATRICIA MAZZEI shiaasen@MiamiHerald.com, S. (2009, October 22). FBI mystery man played key role in kickback investigation. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 1B.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, October 28). BROWARD SCHOOLS: School Board debates whether to reclaim money - Broward school officials do not yet know if they will try to get more than $765,000 back after an audit said contractors overbilled for repairs.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B2.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, October 28). Board debates $765K question. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 1B.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, October 28). School Board debates whether to reclaim money. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 2B.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, November 2). Broward schools have too many empty seats. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, November 3). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Broward schools have too many seats – On Tuesday, board members will unravel how the district ended up with so much extra space that the state has told it to stop building. The issue could prompt controversial boundary changes down the road.. Miami Herald, The (FL) A1.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, November 3). School district has too many seats. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1A.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, November 3). School district has too many empty seats. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 5B.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, November 4). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Broward School Board, state disagree on definition of 'empty seats' - A Broward School Board meeting on extra classroom space as a result of overbuilding turned into a discussion about how empty
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APPENDIX Y-9
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 9
seats should be counted.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, November 10). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Ely High may get delayed field - As the Broward school district gets scrutinized for its construction program, one school may finally get an athletic field project under way.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, November 4). Board and state disagree on definition of 'empty'. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1B.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, November 10). Ely may get delayed field. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1B.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, December 1). Broward schools construction chief to retire. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
MAZZEI, P. (2009, December 2). BROWARD SCHOOLS: School building chief to quit - The Broward schools construction chief has announced his retirement, citing family reasons -- and not a federal probe involving the district's building program.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
BEHNE mbehne@MiamiHerald.com, M. (2009, December 2). LOCAL, SECTION B. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 6B.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2009, December 2). School building chief to quit. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1B.
MAZZEI, P. (2010, January 24). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Broward schools' budget gap could force more layoffs - Broward School Board members are beginning to tackle proposed budget cuts for the next school year, with the possibility of layoffs.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2010, January 24). Budget gap could force more layoffs. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 1B.
SAMPSON hsampson@MiamiHerald.com, H. (2010, February 18). Saving money proves costly. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1B.
SAMPSON hsampson@MiamiHerald.com, H. (2010, February 18). Board cuts projects, but still has to pay. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 7B.
MAZZEI, P. (2010, March 19). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Audit finds Broward school building funds misspent - An audit found a slew of problems with the Broward school system's construction department, but watchdogs praised steps being taken to address them.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B1.
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APPENDIX Y-10
Bibliography of News Articles July 2008 – June 2010 - 10
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2010, March 19). Audit finds building funds misspent. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 1B.
MAZZEI, P. (2010, April 22). Ethics commission may suggest term limits for Broward School Board. Miami Herald, The (FL) n.pag.
MAZZEI, P. (2010, April 23). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Ethics panel: Limit role of Broward School Board members - A commission examining Broward schools outlined its planned proposals Thursday, focusing on the role and power of School Board members.. Miami Herald, The (FL) B4.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2010, April 23). Ethics panel: Limit role of board members. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 4B.
MAZZEI, P. (2010, May 7). BROWARD SCHOOLS: Audit: Broward school district overpaid millions on cafeteria projects - An audit found problems with the way the Broward school district accepted bids on more than a dozen cafeteria construction projects, which resulted in millions overpaid and breaches of state law.. Miami Herald, The (FL) A1.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2010, May 7). District overpaid millions on cafeterias. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Final ed.), 7B.
MAZZEI pmazzei@MiamiHerald.com, P. (2010, May 7). Audit finds district overpaid millions for cafeteria projects. Miami Herald, The (FL) (Broward ed.), 1A.
Retrieved from NewsBank on-line database (America's Newspapers), November 30, 2010
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