The school district is committed to records
Editor,
The Record has published articles/editorials regarding public records and how they are reported in the South Whidbey Schools (SWSD). The district agrees that public records are available to anyone who requests them, and fulfills these requests.
The district reports public records requests as part of a board report. We began this practice when the Washington State School Board Association (WSSDA) advised all districts to do so. Our resources are limited and focused on students/instructional programs. Recently our district spent over $400,000 dealing with a spate of public records requests and legal fees. To make records searchable/retrievable electronically, the district will need to invest in digitizing the records that are now on paper. We also need a more robust way to manage email, etc., so that they can be easily released without taking hours of staff time. Legislative change to fund this work should be a priority.
It seems simple, but for a small entity like the SWSD, it is not as manageable to produce records as it is for large organizations with more manpower and capital. Many documents must have names, etc., redacted because they pertain to students. We do not have an electronic program to do that, especially for un-digitized documents. It takes a human being to sift through records and redact data.
There is no benefit to withhold records and we do not do so. We cannot press a button and get the information requested. Some requests encompass thousands of pages. Districts refocus precious instructional dollars to pay for these requests.
We believe in transparency and are acutely aware of the right of anyone to request and receive records. The board of directors followed WSSDA’s recommendations regarding records requests. It is vital for the public to know where district money is spent, and the board has a fiduciary obligation to provide that information.
Our business is to educate children in the best possible manner. When one is counting pennies and working to create extraordinary programs for children, all costs are carefully scrutinized. The public should be aware that public records requests cost time/money.
The superintendent and board want to continue to have an award-winning program, as demonstrated by our ranking of ninth in academic excellence in Washington, while at the same time being committed to all legal obligations. Our kids deserve nothing less.
JO MOCCIA
Superintendent
LINDA RACICOT
STEVE SCOLES
DAMIAN GREENE
ROCCO GIANNI
JULIE HADDEN
School Board
