Herman, Colman v. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (SPR 20260147)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records January 27, 2026 SPR26/0147 Helene Bettencourt Records Access Officer Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149 Dear Ms. Bettencourt: I have received the petition of Mr. Colman Herman appealing the nonresponse of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On December 16, 2025, Mr. Herman sought the following records[:] [1] Records of any and all expenses that [an identified individual] incurred in [their] capacity as DESE commissioner for the period July 1, 2025 to the present[.] This includes the following[:] [e]xpense reports, including back-up receipts[;] [c]redit cards statements, including back-up receipts[;] [a]utomobile expense records, including back-up receipts[;] [and] [a]ny and all other records that document your expenses, including back-up receipts[;] [2] DESE’s written employee reimbursement policy[.] Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Herman petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR26/0147, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the Department has provided a response. Accordingly, the Department is ordered to provide Mr. Herman with a response to his request, 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. Herman 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 SPR26/0147 Page 2 January 27, 2026 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Colman Herman