Mary Kate McGowan v. Fitchburg, City of - Public Schools (SPR 20222076)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records September 20, 2022 SPR22/2076 Robert M. Jokela Superintendent Fitchburg Public Schools 376 South Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 Dear Superintendent Jokela: I have received the petition of Mary Kate McGowan appealing the nonresponse of Fitchburg Public Schools (School) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On July 13, 2022, Ms. McGowan requested “Fitchburg’s policies and procedures including those stemming from the SEPPS (special education program plan statement).” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Ms. McGowan petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR22/2076, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the School has provided a response. Accordingly, the School is ordered to provide Ms. McGowan with a response to her request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (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. McGowan may appeal the substantive nature of the School’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Mary Kate McGowan 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