Washburn University Board of Regents Meeting Agendas
November 12, 2005
Mrs. Nancy A. Paul
PO Box 5318
Topeka KS 66605
Dear Mrs. Paul:
On
November 11, 2005, the Washburn University Board of Regents passed a
resolution that was not part of the agenda made available to the
public. The resolution was related to Washburn University foregoing
approximately $8,000 in sales tax revenue. There seemed to be a
second resolution related to TABOR that was delayed, but only because
of a specific request from an absent Regent not to act on this
resolution in her absence.
When the Board of Regents adds and acts on items brought forth through President or Committee reports, a serious disregard for the public is displayed. In May, 2002, the Board approved the
FY 03 capital budget of almost $2.0 million, presented through a Finance Committee report, rather than as published agenda item.
In some states, it is a violation of their Sunshine Acts (laws that provide for public access to information related to publicly funded institutions) to take any action on items not specifically included on the agenda. Although this is not the case in Kansas, I would respectfully request that you avoid taking action on items that have not been provided to the public prior to the meeting. At a minimum, additional items to be acted upon should be available to the public at the meeting for review.
Thank-you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou Herring