Stephen Voltz v. Beverly, City of - Public Schools (SPR 20252636)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records September 15, 2025 SPR25/2636 André Morgan Director of Opportunity, Access, and Equity Beverly Public Schools 70 Balch Street Beverly, MA 01915 Dear Mr. Morgan: I have received the petition of Stephen Voltz appealing the response of the Beverly Public Schools (School/City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On December 8, 2024, Mr. Voltz requested the following: [1] All communications (including but not limited to emails, text messages, memoranda, letters, reports, and meeting notes) between any City of Beverly employee, official, or representative, and 2) any public relations, communications, media relations, or strategic communications firm, consultant, or contractor regarding: a. The Beverly teachers’ strike b. Any other Massachusetts teachers’ strike, potential strike, or contracted negotiations c. Communications strategy related to Beverly teacher contract negotiations d. Media strategy regarding teacher contract negotiations e. Draft or final press releases, statements, or other public communications about the strike or negotiation f. Social media strategy or content related to the strike or negotiations, or g. Messaging recommendations or advice regarding the strike or negotiations[;] [2] All drafts, revisions, or versions of: a. Press releases b. Public statements c. Social media posts d. Talking points 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

André Morgan SPR25/2636 Page 2 September 15, 2025 e. Media responses f. Other public communications that were either created by, reviewed by, or shared with any public relations, communications, media relations, or strategic communications firm, consultant, or contractor regarding the strike or negotiations[;] [3] All contracts, invoices, billing or payment records, or other documentation showing: a. The identity of any public relations, communications, media relations, or strategic communications firm, consultant, or contractor retained by or providing services to the City regarding the strike or teacher/para contract negotiations b. Work performed by such firms/individuals related to the strike or negotiations and the cost for that work. Previous Petition and Appeal This request was the subject of a previous fee petition from the School and a previous appeal. See SPR24/3342 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (December 16, 2024) and SPR25/1095 Determination of the Supervisor of Records (May 2, 2025). In my May 2nd determination, I ordered the School to provide the responsive records on a rolling basis. The School responded on May 16, 2025, May 23, 2025, and June 23, 2025. Unsatisfied with the School’s responses, Mr. Voltz petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR25/2636, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the School provided a further response on September 15, 2025. Where this appeal was opened based on the School’s May 16, 2025, May 23, 2025, and June 23, 2025 responses, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. If unresolved issues remain, Mr. Voltz may appeal the substantive nature of the School’s September 15th response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Stephen Voltz