Patrick County Public Schools
Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights Under Virginia FOIA
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia and representatives of the media the right to inspect or request copies of public records maintained by public bodies, including school divisions. Public records include writings and recordings stored in paper, electronic, audio, video, or other formats that relate to public business.
Under FOIA, you have the right to:
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Request to inspect or receive copies of public records;
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Request records in electronic format when available.
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Receive a response within the time required by law;
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Know the reason if records are withheld.
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Be informed of the estimated cost of fulfilling a request before charges are incurred, if requested.
How To Request Records
FOIA requests do not need to cite the Virginia FOIA statute specifically, but requests should clearly describe the records being sought.
Requests may be submitted by:
Please direct FOIA requests to:
FOIA Officer:
Amanda Holt
Director of Human Resources
Patrick County Public Schools
132 N. Main Street / P. O. Box 346, Stuart, VA 24171
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 276-694-3163
The school division may request the name and legal address of the requester as permitted by Virginia law.
Response Time
The school division must respond to a FOIA request within five working days after receiving the request. The response may:
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Provide the requested records.
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Withhold all records under a lawful exemption;
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Provide some records and withhold others.
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State that the records cannot be found or do not exist; or
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Request an additional seven working days if more time is needed.
Types of Records Maintained by the School Division
The school division maintains records, including, but not limited to:
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School Board agendas and minutes
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Policies and regulations
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Budgets and financial records
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Contracts and procurement records
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Personnel records
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Student records
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Curriculum and instructional materials
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Facilities and transportation records
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Correspondence related to public business
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Email and electronic communications related to school operations
Records That May Be Withheld
Certain records are exempt from mandatory disclosure under Virginia law. Examples may include:
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Student education records protected by federal or state law
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Personnel records
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Scholastic records
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Records related to security plans and emergency response
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Attorney-client privileged communications
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Certain records related to ongoing investigations or litigation
A complete list of exemptions can be found in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
School Division FOIA Policies
The school division reviews records before release and withholds or redacts information when required or permitted by law. When records contain both exempt and non-exempt information, the division will generally provide the non-exempt portions and redact protected information.
Fees
A public body may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of accessing, duplicating, supplying, or searching for requested records. The school division will make reasonable efforts to provide records at the lowest possible cost.
No public body may charge extra fees beyond the actual costs allowed by law. Requesters may ask for an estimate in advance.
Additional Assistance
Questions about the Virginia FOIA may also be directed to the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.
Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council
Official Virginia Code – § 2.2-3704.1