The school system in Marshall, Texas, is apparently taking its cue from Houston's Metro system: The school system isn't releasing its contract with its outgoing school superintendent until after the super signs it.

What's even worse is that the superintendent isn't bothering to tell the public how much he's agreed to be paid as a "daily rate" for extra days he worked. I reckon that's in the contract, which the school system wants to sit on.

Kudos to the Marshall News Messenger for immediately jumping in and filing a public records request for the document. And shame on the Marshall school system for playing games with the public and trying to keep a lid on something the public inherently has a right to see -- and now, right now, not after the contract is signed.

From the story by Charles Iyoho:

School district officials declined to provide the News Messenger with a copy of the agreement, saying it would not be released until after [outgoing superintendent Kenn] Franklin signed his contract with New Caney. MISD Communications Director Brooke Paddie said the information likely wouldn't be provided until Monday when Franklin returns from New Caney.

The News Messenger immediately filed an open records request for the agreement through the Texas Freedom of Information Act. However, the act does not require the school district to turn over the document until 10 days have passed after receiving the request.

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