These procedures are to identify the times and places where records are available, the fees for copying records and the name or title of the person responsible for providing records. Requests for information must be in writing and must identify the record in sufficient detail for the request to be honored. Schools are to respond within five days of the request, by acknowledging the request and stating approximately when the request will be made or denied. Citizens receiving a denial of information have 30 days to appeal to the person designated by the school board to receive and decide appeals. Within 10 days of the receipt of the appeal the school must provide the information or a written factual explanation for the appeal denial.
FOIL is a process that is effective as a last resort.
School officials are encouraged to extend full cooperation to work with employees, students, parents and other interested citizens requesting information about school policies, practices, materials and supplies. Experience teaches us that an enormous amount of time, effort, and money can be saved by cooperative listening, sharing and working informally with all requests for information.