2020 Public Service (Smaller Newsroom) Finalists

Why Don’t We Know: Education Records
Sara Ganim, Tori Whidden, Camille Respess, Amy Fu, James Sullivan, Daniel Townsend, Gabriella Paul, Marianna Faiello and Frank LoMonte
The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida

Comment from the judges: “A deeply reported, compelling account that lays bare how universities have manipulated federal law to cover up student and staff wrongdoing — and protect the institutions’ reputations.”

Best Public Service: Demystifying Chicago’s Local School Councils
Staff
Chalkbeat, Block Club Chicago, DataMade

Comment from the judges: “It can be hard to find the edges of public service journalism. Chalkbeat Chicago pushed its coverage of Local Schools Councils solidly into the realm of public service by collaborating with another news organization, expanding its reach and resources for both reporting and informing”

Reading Curriculum in Colorado Schools
Ann Schimke
Chalkbeat

Comment from the judges: “Chalkbeat’s investigation into the reading programs used throughout the state and their efficacy is impressive. Providing readers with the tools to identify and learn about the programs used in their own district and school, and to share their experience and questions is public service.”