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District Clerk

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

Freedom of Information Act

Freedom of Information 

What is FOIL?

The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) is a New York State law that grants the public the right to access records maintained by government agencies, including school districts. This law aims to promote transparency and accountability in government operations.

Access to records of the District will be consistent with the rules and regulation established by the State Committee on Open Government and will comply with all the requirements of NYS Public Officers Law Sections 87 and 89. Records will be provided electronically when possible. 

Please be aware that the School District is only required to provide records that exist, are in its possession and are not otherwise exempt from the provisions of the New York State Freedom of Information Law. The School District is not able to create documents or respond to a list of questions. Please also note that most district information is posted on the website or accessible from the Board of Education meeting agendas.  

Why FOIL is Important for Our School District

FOIL allows community members, parents, and stakeholders to request access to important documents and records related to the operations and decisions of our school district. By ensuring openness, FOIL fosters trust and encourages community involvement in the education process.

How to Make a FOIL Request

To submit a FOIL request, please follow these steps:

  1. Identify the Records You Need: Clearly specify the records you are requesting. The more specific you are, the                  easier it will be to locate the information.

  2. Submit Your Request: You can submit your request via:

  3. Required Information:

  • Your name
  • Your contact information (email and/or phone number)
  • A detailed description of the records requested

Response Times

  • You will receive a response to your FOIL request within five business days.
  • If additional time is needed to process your request, you will be notified of the extension.

Types of Records Available

Under FOIL, you can request access to various public records, including but not limited to:

  • Board meeting minutes
  • School policies and procedures
  • Budgets and financial reports
  • Curricula and educational programs
  • Employee and administrative records (as permitted by law)

Exempt Records: Some records may be exempt from disclosure, including but not limited to:

  • Student records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Records that would compromise personal privacy or safety

Fees for FOIL Requests

  • There may be a fee for copying records, generally 25 cents per page for black and white copies.
  • Fees for larger requests will be calculated based on the actual cost of reproduction.
  • Fee waivers may be available for requests made in the public interest.

Appeals Process

If your request is denied or if you are dissatisfied with the response, you have the right to appeal the decision. To appeal:

  • Submit a written appeal to the FOIL within 30 days of receiving the denial.
  • Your appeal should include your original request and the response you received.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance regarding FOIL requests, please contact:

Additional Resources

For more information about FOIL and public access to government records, visit the New York State Committee on Open Government website: www.dos.ny.gov/coog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can make a FOIL request?
Any person, group, or organization can make a FOIL request.

2. What if I don’t know which records I need?
Feel free to contact our FOIL Officer for guidance on how to structure your request.

3. Can I request records electronically?
Yes, you can submit your request via email or through our online form.