For the third consecutive year, Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ website is atop the state in terms of the documents it makes readily available to the public, according to an examination of governmental websites by Sunshine Review.
AACPS’ website, www.aacps.org, received the only A+ rating among the 10 largest school systems in Maryland examined by Sunshine Review, a not-for-profit group that collects and shares information about state and local government transparency. The group reviewed more than 6,000 government websites to see whether information related to ten categories is posted: taxes, budget, meetings, elected officials, administrative officials, contracts, audits, information on a public records policy, academics, and background checks. Sunshine Review found AACPS content for all ten categories, the most of any Maryland school system.
Sunshine Review bestowed just 99 Sunny Awards – given for A+ ratings – nationwide.
Howard County Public Schools received a grade of A-. The Anne Arundel County government website received a grade of B, tied for the highest of the state’s five largest governmental sites.
In addition to content in the reviewed categories, AACPS’ website provides easy access to test score, assessment, demographic, and enrollment data for all schools as well as results of community engagement and bullying prevention surveys.
The complete review can be accessed at www.sunshinereview.org.