Malden News Network v. Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (SPR 20222758)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records December 15, 2022 SPR22/2757; SPR22/2758 Rick Veilleux Mystic Valley Regional Charter School 4 Laurel Street Malden, MA 02148 Dear Mr. Veilleux: I have received the petitions of Malden News Network appealing the responses of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School (School/MVRCS) to multiple requests for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On September 8, 2022, Malden News Network requested various categories of records regarding communications and payments between the School and the City of Malden. On October 12, 2022, Malden News Network requested six (6) categories of records relating to confidentiality, non-disclosure and employment agreements. The School responded to these requests on September 20, 2022 and October 26, 2022, respectively, by stating “per advice from counsel and pursuant to our policy currently under appeal, we are not responding to public records requests at this time.” Unsatisfied with the School’s responses, Malden News Network petitioned this office and SPR22/2757 and SPR22/2758 were opened as a result. Pursuant to 950 C.M.R. 32.06(2)(a), a records access officer or designee shall permit inspection or provide or furnish a copy of all public records within the custody and control of the custodian at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay under G. L. c. 66, § 10(a). The School is advised that the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has previously found “that the School is a public entity subject to the Public Records Law” and has previously directed the School to respond to public records requests. See AGO letter dated October 20, 2022. Order Accordingly, the School is ordered to provide Malden News Network with responses to the above requests in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law, and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. Copies of such responses must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send electronic copies of these responses to this office at 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

Rick Veilleux SPR22/2757; SPR22/2758 Page 2 December 15, 2022 pre@sec.state.ma.us. Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Malden News Network Matthew Campbell, Esq.