Massachusetts Public Records Law - Massachusetts General Law chapter 66

  • Each public agency and municipality is required to designate a "Records Access Officer".  This individual coordinates an agency's or a municipality's response to requests for access to public records and facilitates the resolution of such requests by the timely and thorough production of public records.  The Public Records Officer shall:

    • assist persons seeking public records to identify the records sought
    • assist the custodian of records in preserving public records in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, and schedules; and
    • prepare guidelines that enable a person seeking access to public records in the custody of the agency or municipality to make informed requests regarding the availability of such public records electronically or otherwise.
     
    General Guidelines for Public Records Requests:
    • Requests must be made in writing and include the specific records being sought
    • Electronic production of records will be the norm, unless otherwise requested by the requestor
    • Fees for retrieving records:
      • Five cents per page on copying and/or printing costs
      • $25 per hour for labor costs (labor includes searching, compiling, segregating, redacting, reproducing, as well as any time spent reviewing request with legal counsel)
    • Within 10 days from the request, the district will provide an initial response which may include:
      • confirmation of receipt of request
      • timeframe in which records will be produced (will not exceed 25 days, except in extenuating circumstances and with approval of Supervisor of Records or if negotiated with requestor)
      • Itemized good faith estimate of fees
      • suggested reasonable modification of the scope of the request
      • production of some/all records requested; and/or
      • notice of intent not to furnish some/all records requested; and/or
      • notice of inability to furnish records within ten (10) business days
      • statement regarding the right to appeal any decisions
    All requests for public records shall be sent to:
    Joan Liporto
    Business Manager
    Amesbury Public Schools
    5 Highland Street
    Amesbury, MA 01913
     
    liportoj@amesburyma.gov
    Phone: (978) 388-0507
    Fax: (978)388-8315
     
    These procedures are only for public records requests under chapter 66 of Massachusetts General Laws.  All other requests for records (ie. parental/student requests for records such as transcripts, student records, IEPs, etc.) should be directed to the appropriate school and/or department.
     
    Effective January 1, 2017