FOIL Requests
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) is a state law that gives the public the right to access government records. It is intended to promote transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to see how government agencies make decisions and spend public funds.
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Records can include emails, reports, contracts, meeting documents, policies, budgets, photographs, and other recorded information.
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No.
While government records are presumed to be open to the public, agencies may withhold records or portions of records that fall within specific exemptions, such as:
- Personal privacy information
- Certain law enforcement records
- Information that could endanger public safety
- Trade secrets or confidential commercial information
- Records specifically exempted by other laws
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All requests must be made in writing, using the District’s approved form for submitting FOIL Requests.
Completed request forms should be sent to:
Scott Osborne, Records Management Officer
49 Broad St.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Email transmission is preferred: sosborne@plattscsd.org
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Under New York FOIL, the District must respond within five (5) business days by:
- Providing the records, or
- Denying the request in writing, or
- Acknowledging receipt and providing an estimated date for a determination.
- By law, the District has 20 business days to render a determination.
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If a FOIL request is denied, the requester has the right to file an administrative appeal with the Records Access Officer (the denial letter will contain specific information on the appeal process.)
DISTRICT FOIL REQUEST FORM
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