\doc\web\2000\04\fofcat.txt


In a message dated 4/17/00 7:31:27 AM, gpipkin@I-1.NET writes:


<< To date I've had no response at all.  Sherman Dorn implied that our
Sunshine Laws don't specify time limits on requests for public information,
although I haven't confirmed that.  Any suggestions on how to proceed?




George Schmidt, am I correct in assuming that your letter hasn't elicited any
response either?


 >>


Hello Gloria (and All),


You don't have to proceed, since Tallahassee has already answered most of the
questions.


I didn't realize you'd been stiffed, or I would have responded to sooner
here.


On March 3, I sent a Freedom of Information request to Tom Fisher.


On March 10, I received an Email acknowledgment from Judith Keck.


On March 18, they mailed me a box containing approximately 500 pages of
documents, including the initial RFP, Harcourt's winning proposal, and the
contracts


(a) A 21-page contract (May 24, 1999 - November 30, 2002) with Harcourt, and


(b) A 22-page contract (July 27, 1999 - November 30, 2002) with National
Computer Systems, Inc.


The total amount of both contracts, which I have not analyzed yet, is in
excess of $50 million and may total $100 million. I don't have the time this
morning to do that work and probably won't get to it for a couple of weeks.
But we could copy all the materials we've received and forward them to you.


I had assumed that you and Sherman had received the same expedited service I
have gotten.


In fact, I've used this FOIA and Florida's timely response as an example of
how things should be done here in Chicago. What do you need from me and how
can I get it to you quickest?


George Schmidt
Editor, Substance
5132 18 Berteau
Chicago, IL 60641






I wouldn't trust the cost figures.  They seem really low.  There is a
finance expert attached to CREST, Lawrence Picus who has developed a system
for determining the cost of state assessment programs.  His system factors
in opportunity costs.  For example, in Kentucky each district needs an
assessment coordinator, full or part time.  That is part of the cost that
the state will conveniently forget about.  There is also the cost of the
Assessment division at the state level and how much more funding it requires
because of  FCAT.  This is how the cost in Kentucky ended up being well over
a billion dollars for eight years, using Picus's figures.


George K. Cunningham
University of Louisville