Naomi Martin v. Boston, City of - Public Records (SPR 20220576)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records March 23, 2022 SPR22/0576 Shawn A. Williams, Esq. Director of Public Records City of Boston One City Hall Square Boston, MA 02201 Dear Attorney Williams: I have received the petition of Naomi Martin of the Boston Globe appealing the response of the City of Boston (City) Boston Public Schools (School) to a request for public records. G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Specifically, on February 3, 2022, Ms. Martin requested a copy of the following records: “Any and all contracts or invoices with outside vendors or private parties for legal, investigative or human resources work from Jan. 1, 2007 through Jan. 30, 2022 pertaining to inquiries related to allegations of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination or other misbehavior or misconduct by students, staff members, and/or coaches; Any and all related records to such services provided from Jan. 1, 2007 through Jan. 30, 2022. This includes, but is not limited to: • Any prepared reports, investigations or reviews; • Any preparatory materials or files, including internal and external communications or electronic correspondence in the possession of the district, school board or school officials; • Service orders, memoranda of agreement/understanding, or other records related to retainment, cost, and scope of work; and, • Any emails, statements, news releases, or other communications to families, educators, the media, or the public about the outside vendors’ work.” On February 3rd, the City provided an acknowledgment, stating, “[y]our request has been received and is being processed.” On February 24th, Ms. Martin sought an update on her request. 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

Shawn A. Williams, Esq. SPR22/0576 Page 2 March 23, 2022 In response, Attorney Williams stated, “I have alerted a representative from the [School] in an effort to obtain an update on the status of your February 3, 2022 public records request. I will provide an update to you once additional information is provided to me by the department.” The School provided some records; however, on March 9th, Ms. Martin petitioned the Supervisor of Records (Supervisor), and this appeal was opened. Ms. Martin states, “I wish to appeal the [City’s] failure to provide a substantive response in compliance with the law in connection with my February 3, 2022 public records request.” Subsequent to the opening of this appeal, on March 9th, the City indicated that it would provide a response. On March 18th, Ms. Martin contacted the City for a status on the requested records. To date and after follow-up by this office and Ms. Martin, the City has not provided a further response. The City must clarify its timeframe for providing responsive records. Order Accordingly, the City is ordered to provide Ms. Martin with a response to the request, in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 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. Ms. Martin may appeal the substantive nature of the response within 90 calendar days. 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Rebecca S. Murray Supervisor of Records cc: Naomi Martin, Boston Globe