Sam Whiting v. Sutton, Town of - Public Schools (SPR 20241991)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records July 24, 2024 SPR24/1991 Dr. Kimberly Roberts-Morandi Superintendent of Schools Sutton Public Schools 16 Putman Hill Road Sutton, MA 01590 Dear Dr. Roberts-Morandi: I have received the petition of Attorney Samuel J. Whiting, of the Massachusetts Family Institute, appealing the response of the Sutton 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 April 4, 2024, Attorney Whiting requested the following records “in the possession of the Sutton Public Schools during the 2023-2024 school year”: 1. All records containing the phrase “Connections Conference,” “Con Con,” “ConCon,” or “ConCon24.” 2. All budgetary information related to the Connections Conference, including but not limited to: invoices received and/or paid and revenue (including donations and sponsorships) received in connection with the Connections Conference. 3. All records containing the phrase “drag queen,” “Diva D,” “Pride Worcester,” or “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen.” 4. A list of all schools that participated in the Connections Conference (or documents including the names of these schools, if a list does not exist). 5. All photographs or video of the event, held by the SPS or taken on behalf of the SPS by staff or students in attendance at the event. 6. A copy of the permission form required to attend the event. 7. Records showing the staff advisors for the Connections Club. 8. All records verifying CORI and SORI reports were properly obtained by all adults participating in the Connections Conference. Previous Appeals This request was the subject of previous appeals. See SPR24/1255 Determination of the 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

Dr. Kimberly Roberts-Morandi SPR24/1991 Page 2 July 24, 2024 Supervisor of Records (May 8, 2024) and SPR24/1603 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (June 11, 2024). In my June 11th determination, I found that the School did not meet its burden to withhold records responsive to Items 2, 4, and 7 of the request under Exemption (n) of the Public Records Law. See G. L. c. 4, § 7(26)(n). Additionally, the School responded to Attorney Whiting on April 19, June 10, and July 11, 2024, indicating that it was withholding records responsive to Item 5 of the request. Unsatisfied with the School’s responses to Item 5 of the request, Attorney Whiting petitioned this office, and this appeal, SPR24/1991, was opened as a result. Conclusion Subsequent to the opening of this appeal, I learned that the School provided a supplemental response by email to Attorney Whiting and this office on July 22, 2024. As this appeal was opened based on the School’s previous responses, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. If unresolved issues remain, Attorney Whiting may further appeal the substantive nature of the School’s July 22nd response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Samuel J. Whiting, Esq.