Alicia Williams v. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (SPR 20213076)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records December 3, 2021 SPR21/3076 Helene Bettencourt Records Access Officer Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148-4906 Dear Ms. Bettencourt: I have received the petition of Alicia Williams appealing the response of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On October 26, 2021, Ms. Williams requested, “all emails to and from Commissioner Jeffrey Riley from September 26- October 26th discussing mask mandates and extending the mask mandate for public schools. Please include emails from medical experts and state health officials.” On November 12, 2021, DESE responded. Unsatisfied with DESE’s response, Ms. William petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR21/3076, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that DESE responded to Ms. Williams’ request with a further response sent on December 3, 2021. Where the basis of this appeal was opened as a result of DESE’s November 12th response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Ms. Williams may appeal the substantive nature of DESE’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Alicia Williams 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