Transparency in government often is lacking.

That’s why this state has its Open Meetings and Records Law, better known as the Sunshine Law. Despite its obvious flaws and limitations, the Sunshine Law is a valuable tool when that transparency is lacking or non-existent. But every so often, a government official actually welcomes scrutiny of the public and press and is open and responsive when inquiries are made — even on topics that they may be uncomfortable with discussing at a particular point in time.

Such was the case last week with Mehlville Superintendent Terry Noble when we met with him to discuss the troubling financial projections that indicate the Mehlville School District’s operating-fund balance will dip below the state-required 3-percent minimum by the end of the 2009-2010 school year. That’s a vast departure from what the Board of Education and the community had been told when the current budget with its 6-percent raises was adopted.

To his credit, Mr. Noble answered every question we asked. He couldn’t have been more forthright in his responses — a welcome relief from the recent past when Mehlville administrators liked to play games or tried to pervert the intent of the Sunshine Law in an effort to delay the free flow of information that is vital to our form of government.

We asked for specific documentation and immediately were provided that information — no hemming, no hawing, no lame excuses about why our request couldn’t or shouldn’t be honored. Once again, a welcome relief from the recent past when administrators charged us the legal maximum for such requests.

We also agree with Mr. Noble that the district’s financial situation makes the COMPASS — Charting the Oakville-Mehlville Path to Advance Successful Schools — community-engagement process even more important. We’ve been disappointed by the lack of community presence at some of the COMPASS sessions.

Now more than ever is the time for Mehlville residents to decide what they believe is best for their school district. We believe that by working together, the challenges facing the Mehlville School District can be overcome. We also believe that the Mehlville community has no need for elected officials — past and present — who continue to play politics and take part in covert, underhanded games to the detriment of students, staff and residents.