Guidelines for Public Records Request

Public Records Requests

For information on what constitutes a public record, refer to this link: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preinformation.htm. Exemptions may be found at Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws.

A public records request is a request to either inspect, and/or copy, public records. The request must be clear enough to enable the Records Access Officer (RAO) to conduct a meaningful search. The RAO may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. Therefore, it is helpful for the requester to provide contact information. 

Public record requests shall include a reasonable description of the requested record to the RAO so that he or she can identify and locate it promptly. Under the law and to the extent feasible, the RAO shall provide public records to a requester in an electronic format unless the record is not available in an electronic format or the requester does not have the ability to receive or access the records in electronic format.

You are asked to provide the following information to ensure that your request is processed as efficiently as possible:

Your name, address, email address and telephone number

A reasonable description of the record(s) sought, containing specific dates and supporting information to facilitate identifying and locating the record(s)

Your preference to inspect/review record(s) or to copy the record(s); and

If you do not want your records electronically transmitted to you, the method you would like the records delivered

If a request seeks documents publicly available on the School Department’s website, the requestor will be directed to the website in satisfaction of the request, unless the requester does not have the ability to receive or access the records in a usable electronic form.  Most online documents are in a .pdf format.

The ROA must furnish a copy or permit inspection of public records within ten business days as long as:

The request reasonably describes the public record sought;

The public record is within the possession, custody or control of the municipality that the records access officer serves;

The public record is not exempted by statue; and

If applicable, the RAO access officer receives payment of a reasonable fee

If the Records Access Officer is unable to provide a full response to your request within the ten business days he or she must respond to your request and include the following information:

Confirmation of your request

Outline what will be withheld, if aware

Provide an explanation for the inability to provide the records within the timeframe

When a response is expected

*Responses will be delivered by email if an email has been provided otherwise; the response will be delivered by first-class mail.