Bill Dugan v. Nauset Public Schools District (SPR 20210930)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records April 22, 2021 SPR21/0930 Carol Forgione Nauset Public School District 78 Eldredge Park Way Orleans, MA 02653 Dear Ms. Forgione: I have received the petition of Bill Dugan appealing the response of the Nauset Public School District (School) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 22, 2021, Mr. Dugan requested “any documents that support the recent claims by Nauset Regional School Committee members that Nauset’s Choice Program is ‘revenue neutral.’ Also . . . any and all documents that calculate the cost of the Choice Program to Nauset. Also . . . a copy of the proposed FY 2022 budget for Nauset.” The School responded on February 1, 2021, providing budget documents responsive to Mr. Dugan’s request. The School also explained that “[t]he other Nauset budgets (Region Only and Region Shared) are not completed.” Further, the School indicated “[t]here is no document anywhere that references Nauset’s School Choice program as ‘revenue neutral.’” The School provided additional responsive records on February 22, 2021. Unsatisfied with the School’s response, Mr. Dugan appealed, and this case was opened as a result. In his appeal petition Mr. Dugan contends that the School “gave [him] 3 of the 4 parts of the budget but they have not given [him] the 4th part.” Subsequently, I learned that the School has provided further additional records. In an email on April 13, 2021, a representative of the School provided Mr. Dugan with a link to recently posted budget documents responsive to his request. The representative of the School also expressed willingness to communicate directly with Mr. Dugan in order to ensure a timely response to pending and future requests. I encourage all parties to communicate directly in order to ensure the expeditious resolution of public records requests. Conclusion Accordingly, I will consider this administrative appeal closed. If unresolved issues remain, Mr. Dugan may appeal to this office within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Carol Forgione SPR21/0930 Page 2 April 22, 2021 Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Bill Dugan