Ellen M. Chambers v. North Middlesex Regional School District (SPR 20170933)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records July 24, 2017 SPR17/933 Brad Brooks Director of Special Education North Middlesex Regional School District 45 Main Street Pepperell, MA 01463 Dear Mr. Brooks: I have received the petition of Ellen Chambers appealing the response of the North Middlesex Regional School District (School). G. L. c. 66 § 1 OA; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1 ). Specifically, Ms. Chambers requested a copy of the resume of a named individual "redacted of any information that is statutorily exempt." In a response dated June 6, 2017, the School denied the request. The Public Records Law The Public Records Law strongly favors disclosure by creating a presumption that all governmental records are public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A(d); 950 C.M.R. 32.03(4). "Public records" is broadly defined to include all documentary materials or data, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by any officer or employee of any town of the Commonwealth, unless falling within a statutory exemption. G. L. c. 4, § 7(26). It is the burden of the records custodian to demonstrate the application of an exemption in order to withhold a requested record. G. L. c. 66, § 10(b)(iv); 950 C.M.R. 32.06(3); see also Dist. Attorney for the Norfolk Dist. v. Flatley, 419 Mass. 507, 511 (1995) (custodian has the burden of establishing the applicability of an exemption). To meet the specificity requirement a custodian mustnot only cite an exemption, but must also state why the exemption applies to the withheld or redacted portion ofthe responsive record. If there are any fees associated with a response a written, good faith estimate must be provided. G. L. c. 66, § 1 O(b )(viii); see also 950 C.M.R. 32.07(2). Once fees are paid, a records custodian must provide the responsive records. One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us

Brad Brooks SPR17/933 Page2 July 24, 2017 To assist in requesting and responding to requests for public records please refer to our publication, A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law. This document is available on the Internet, free of charge, at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/prepdf/guide.pdf. Public Records Division attorneys are available during regular business hours to answer general questions regarding the Public Records Law. In addition, Public Records Division staff will visit a records custodian in person to conduct training workshops on the Public Records Law upon request. Please contact the Public Records Division directly at the telephone number provided in this determination for further information. Exemption (c) Exemption (c) permits the withholding of personnel and medical files or information; also any other materials or data relating to a specifically named individual, the disclosure of which may constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. G. L. c. 4, §7 (26)(c). Exemption (c) contains two distinct and independent clauses, each requiring its own analysis. Globe Newspaper Co. v. Boston Retirement Bd., 388 Mass. 427, 432-33 (1983). The first clause creates a categorical exemption for personnel information that relates to an identifiable individual and is of a "personal nature." Id. at 434. The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts found that a records custodian may withhold from disclosure as personnel information records containing information that is "useful in making employment decisions regarding an employee." Wakefield Teachers Ass'n v. School Comm., 431 Mass. 792, 798 (2000). The courts have discussed specific categories of records that may be redacted under the first clause. See Globe Newspaper Co v. Exec. Office of Admin. and Finance, Suffolk Sup. No. 11-01184-A (June 14, 2013). Nevertheless, there is a strong public interest in monitoring public expenditures and public employees have a diminished expectation of privacy with respect to public employment matters. See George W. Prescott Publishing Co. v. Register of Probate for Norfolk County, 395 Mass. 274,278 (1985); Globe Newspaper Co., 388 Mass. at 436 n.l5. Further, the public has an interest in knowing whether public employees are "carrying out their duties in an efficient and law-abiding manner." Attorney Gen. v. Collector of Lynn, 377 Mass. 151, 158 (1979). As a result, certain information that is considered personal in the ordinary sense of the word may be considered part of a public record if relating to an individual's official responsibilities. See Globe Newspaper Co., 388 Mass. at 435 ("Not every bit of information which might be found in a personnel or medical file is necessarily personal so as to fall within the exemption's protection"); Brogan v. School Comm. of Westport, 401 Mass. 306, 309 (1987). Public employees have a diminished expectation of privacy in matters relating to their public employment, and the public has a legitimate interest in knowing whether public employees possess the degrees and certifications necessary to perform their jobs. See Brogan, 401 Mass. at 308; 1976-77 Op. Atty Gen. Mass. 157 at 12 ("[i]t is my opinion that educational and professional training and experience are not exempted from disclosure by Exemption (c)");

Brad Brooks SPR17/933 Page 3 July 24, 2017 G.L. c. 30A, § 22(e) (providing that in the context of the Open Meeting Law, any resume submitted by an applicant shall not be exempt). I find the School has not met its burden to withhold the requested resume from disclosure under the personnel clause of Exemption (c). See Reinstein v. Police Comm'r of Boston, 378 Mass. 281, 289-90 (1979) (thestatutory exemptions are narrowly construed and are not blanket in nature). Any non-exempt, segregable portion of a public record is subject to mandatory disclosure. G. L. c. 66, § 10(a). It is my understanding a staff member of the Public Records Division contacted you to discuss this matter. Conclusion Accordingly, I will consider this appeal closed with the proviso that the School provide Ms. Chambers with a response to the request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Ellen Chambers