Mary Kate McGowan v. Winchendon, Town of - Public Schools (SPR 20230971)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records May 22, 2023 SPR23/0971 Supt. Thaddeus King Winchendon Public Schools 175 Grove Street Winchendon, MA 01475 Dear Superintendent King: I have received the petition of Mary Kate McGowan appealing the nonresponse of the Winchendon 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 March 9, 2023, Ms. McGowan requested records related to the School’s special education policies and procedures. As indicated in Ms. McGowan’s request, “these are the ones you agreed to have and to have available to the public when signing the SEPPS (special education program plan statement).” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Ms. McGowan petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/0971, 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