James Vaznis v. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (SPR 20240051)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records January 19, 2024 SPR24/0051; SPR24/0053 Helene Bettencourt Records Access Officer Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway Everett, MA 02149 Dear Ms. Bettencourt I have received the petitions of James Vaznis, of the Boston Globe, appealing the nonresponse of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) to requests for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). In separate requests, on December 6, 2023, Mr. Vaznis requested the following records: [1.] ... copies of all updates Boston Public Schools has provided to DESE regarding the on-time performance of its buses since July 1, 2023, as well as all copies of DESE’s responses to BPS regarding those updates. [2.] ... copies of all updates, including any attachments/supporting documents, Boston Public Schools has sent to DESE since July 1, 2023, regarding its progress in implementing the Systemic Improvement Plan as well as DESE’s responses to those updates. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Vaznis petitioned this office and the following appeals, SPR24/0051 and SPR24/0053, were opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of both appeals, it remains unclear whether the Department has provided a response. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Mr. Vaznis with a response to his requests, 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 the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Vaznis may appeal the substantive nature of the Department’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Helene Bettencourt SPR24/0051; SPR24/0053 Page 2 January 19, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: James Vaznis