Accountability Report

from Ron Hitchcock, superintendent

	"Accountability" is the expressed reason for compiling and sharing this report with our community. But what does accountability mean?

If you Google the question "what is accountability?" you'll get many definitions. One that I like is from the website "Service Canada." They use this definition:

"The obligation to demonstrate and take responsibility for performance in light of agreed expectations. There is a difference between responsibility and accountability: responsibility is the obligation to act; accountability is the obligation to answer for an action." (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/cs/fas/as/sds/appd_sds03.shtml)

Looking at accountability from the personal perspective, British blogger Trevor Gay says:

"I now realize I am truly 'accountable' to the person who knows me best - and that is the person I see in the mirror. That is REAL accountability. Holding yourself to your own standards is a real test." (http://simplicityitk.blogspot.com/2009/04/working-for-man-in-mirror.html)

At MESD the foundation of accountability is the accessibility of our staff and programs to students, families and stakeholders. Over the past two years, we've worked especially hard to maintain open-door policies and invite feedback. We encountered tough questions and sometimes provided answers that were difficult to hear. But we believe this makes us more responsive and accountable.

Our Board of Directors deliberates and makes decisions in open meetings. They review and develop policies and budgets in public meetings. We go to great lengths to expect accountability and to behave accountably.

We also respond to numerous opportunities to improve our accountability. In 2008 MESD was the first and only public educational entity to volunteer for an audit by the Oregon Secretary of State. This comprehensive audit focused on our purchasing and contracting practices. As a result, we made positive changes in our policies, rules and guidelines.

Yet at times we bristle when someone else uses "accountability" as a mandate to make us do something we don't want to do. Other times, we ourselves demand accountability as a performance requirement for those over whom we have authority. The analogy of a double edged sword or two sides of the same coin come to mind.

Accountability is not an abstract concept. It is actually extremely simple. Accountability is saying what you mean, meaning what you say, and doing what you say you're going to do. In short, accountability is taking responsibility for your words and actions.

We work to be accountable and responsible to our mission, ourselves, the tax payers, our districts, our partners and the students and families we serve. I hope you find this report useful, accountable and responsible.