Christeena Gallahue for Oldham county school board

Trust is built when people understand how decisions are made, how resources are used, and how their voices can be heard.

I have:

• Used Kentucky's Open Records Act to better understand how public institutions operate and make decisions.
• Submitted open records requests involving matters of public interest related to the operation of our school district.
• Appealed a denied records request to the Kentucky Attorney General and prevailed when the Attorney General determined the records should be disclosed.
• Continued pursuing access to public records through the legal process when records were not subsequently produced.
• Invested significant time studying Kentucky's Open Records Act, Open Meetings Act, and other laws governing government transparency and accountability.
• Attended meetings, reviewed public documents, and engaged in discussions to better understand how decisions are made within our school system.
• Asked difficult questions when I believed additional information or clarification was needed.
• Advocated for greater transparency involving issues that affect students, families, and taxpayers.
• Worked to increase public understanding of how educational decisions are made and how citizens can participate in the process.
• Experienced firsthand both the value of transparency and the challenges that can arise when citizens seek public information.

These experiences have reinforced my belief that transparency is not about politics. It is about public trust.

If elected, I will support:

• Open and accessible communication between the school district and the community.
• Timely and transparent sharing of information whenever legally and ethically appropriate.
• Clear explanations of major decisions, policies, and budget priorities.
• Accountability measures that help ensure district resources are used effectively and responsibly.
• Public engagement opportunities that allow families, educators, and taxpayers to share their perspectives.
• Continuous review of district practices to identify opportunities for greater transparency and efficiency.
• Respect for Kentucky's sunshine laws and the public's right to understand how decisions are made.
• Efforts to improve public understanding of the school board's role, responsibilities, and limitations.
• A culture of openness where questions are welcomed and concerns are addressed respectfully.
• Decision making processes that prioritize honesty, accountability, and public confidence.

Transparency is not about creating conflict. It is about creating confidence that public institutions are operating openly, responsibly, and in the best interests of students and the community.