Open Records FAQs
How do I use the portal to submit my RTK Request?
Click "Make a Request" and type your public records request directly into the fillable RTK request form. You may also submit an RTK request form through the portal by signing in and using the "attach files" option found directly underneath the text box. After completing the form, click "Submit". You will receive an email confirmation when the open records office has received your request with a secure link to the request. If you do not receive an auto-response from the Pennsbury School District Office of Open Records within 5 minutes of submitting the request, check your spam or junk mail folder. Please note that the district does not accept anonymous or verbal requests.
What should I say in my RTK request?
Be as specific as possible when describing the records you are seeking. If you are seeking a particular document, it is recommended that you identify it by author, date, and title. If you cannot identify a specific record, you should clearly explain the type of records you are seeking, including items such as timeframe, subject matter, and any other information that may assist us in searching where possible. Requests should seek records, not ask questions.
How long will it take for the district to respond?
You will first receive email confirmation when the Open Records Office has received your request with a direct secure link to view your request. All correspondence regarding the request will be sent by the district through the secure portal email address and you can check on the status of your request by logging into the portal at any time.
In accordance with the PA Right-to-Know law, within 5 business days of the open records officer's receipt of the request, the district will email a response or advise if an additional 30 calendar days are required to provide a response. Please note that the 5-business-day response window begins the day after the request is received by the open records officer. For example, if the request is received on a Monday, Tuesday would be considered day 1 of the 5 business day response window.
What if I didn't submit my request through the portal?
Requests submitted to the district by email, mail, or hand-delivery will be redirected through the portal for response and the secure electronic delivery of documents when an email address is provided. You will receive a confirmation email from the open records office when your request has been entered into the portal with a secure link to your request. All correspondence regarding the request will be sent by the district through the secure portal email address. Requesters are strongly encouraged to use the portal to ensure that your request is promptly received and processed.
How do I access the records provided to me by the district?
You will receive an email from the district when documents have been provided. You can view any electronic documents provided in response to your request through the direct link to your request provided at the bottom of the email. Once logged in, click the "Documents" tab (next to Timeline). Documents may be downloaded to your personal device or viewed directly in the portal.
Is there a charge for records?
The district delivers records electronically, whenever possible, for which there is no fee. Except for the duplication fee established by the state, the Board shall approve a list of reasonable fees relative to requests for public records. The district shall maintain a list of applicable fees and disseminate the list to requesters.
No fee may be imposed for review of a record to determine whether the record is subject to access under law. Prior to granting access, the district may require prepayment of estimated fees when the fees required to fulfill the request are expected to exceed $100. The Superintendent or designee may waive duplication fees when the requester duplicates the record, or the Superintendent or designee deems it is in the public interest to do so.
When may the district deny my request for records?
The Right to Know Law provides that certain categories of documents are exempt from disclosure. Included among these are records that have been designated as exempt by statute, documents subject to a recognized legal privilege such as the attorney-client privilege, records describing security plans or procedures designed to prevent acts of terrorism, medical records, juvenile records, and the personal contact information of public employees. This list is not exhaustive. For more information on the exceptions to the PA Right to Know law, click here. Please note some records are also not subject to public access pursuant to other state and federal laws that apply.
What are some types of information that will NOT be available? (This list is not exhaustive.)
- Social Security numbers
- Driver license numbers
- Personal email addresses
- Employee numbers
- Home, cellular, or personal phone numbers
- Personal financial information
- Records that identify social service recipients, including welfare recipients
- A minor’s name, home address, date of birth
- Pre-decisional internal deliberations
Can I ask that records be created, summarized, listed, or put in a particular format?
The district is not required to create reports, lists, summaries, or compilations that were not in existence on the date of your request. Similarly, the district is not required to produce a record in an alternate format if the record can be made available for public inspection and copying in its existing format. Lastly, if the requested information is publicly available on the school district's website or Board Docs, you will be directed to where the information can be found. The RTKL requires that the district provide the records in the format they currently exist.
I asked a question in my RTK request. Is the district required to respond to my question?
The RTK law only requires the district to provide public records. The requester must identify the documents they are seeking. The district is not expressly required to answer questions.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records Citizen's Guide to the Right-to-Know Law and the Sunshine Act.