Sam Houghton v. Martha's Vineyard Public Schools (SPR 20232928)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records December 18, 2023 SPR23/2928 Superintendent Richard M. Smith Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools 4 Pine Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Dear Superintendent Smith: I have received the petition of Sam Houghton, of the Martha’s Vineyard Times, appealing the response of the Martha’s Vineyard 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 November 13, 2023, Mr. Houghton requested “[a] letter from legal counsel Murphy, Lamere, and Murphy on a legal opinion regarding whether it is legal for the school committee to accept anonymous donations. The committee discussed the letter during a public meeting on November 8.” The School provided a response on November 20, 2023. Unsatisfied with the School’s response, Mr. Houghton petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/2928, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the School intends on providing a further response to Mr. Houghton. Subsequently, I learned that the School provided a further response on December 18, 2023. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the School’s November 20th response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Mr. Houghton may appeal the substantive nature of the School’s December 18th response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Sam Houghton 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