Martin Y. Benson v. Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (SPR 20232729)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records November 27, 2023 SPR23/2729 Andrew Shen Records Access Officer Acton-Boxborough Regional School District 15 Charter Road Acton, MA 01720 Dear Mr. Shen: I have received the petition of Martin Y. Benson appealing the response of the Acton- Boxborough Regional School District (School) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On January 21, 2021, Mr. Benson requested documents regarding the School Committee’s decision to retire the Colonial mascot. The following Items remain outstanding: [1.] Item # 11 from your original request, [a]ny and all emails between [identified individuals] and any and all members of the ECARES Steering Committee ... from September 1, 2020 to January 21, 2021, including emails from personal or school district email accounts. [2.] ... names of former students (who are now alumni) identified in public records were redacted in emails that you have already received. [3.] ... additional text messages between named district staff and/or School Committee members that fall within the scope of your original request... Previous appeals The requested records were the subject of previous appeals. See SPR23/0114 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (February 10, 2023) and SPR23/1124 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (June 13, 2023). In my June 13th determination, it was my understanding that the School would provide a further response to Mr. Benson. The School responded on August 16, 2023. Unsatisfied with the response, Mr. Benson petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/2729, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the School intends on providing a further response to Mr. 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

Andrew Shen, SPR23/2729 Page 2 November 27, 2023 Benson to address his records request. Accordingly, the School is ordered to provide Mr. Benson with said response in a manner consistent with 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 the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Benson may appeal the substantive nature of the School’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Martin Y. Benson