Skip to main content

Quilcene School District

Home of the Rangers

Public Records Requests Home

Public Record Requests Overview

Washington law requires state and local agencies to make public records available to the public. This law, the Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56, supports the public's right to be informed about what their government is doing.

The Act also lists certain public records that do not have to be disclosed. These exemptions are intended to prevent unreasonable invasions of personal privacy or the use of public records for personal or commercial gain.

The Act also requires that the public records requested are "identifiable." Your public disclosure request must include a reasonable description that would allow a Quilcene School District employee to locate the records. A general question is not a public disclosure request.

Be aware of the exemptions to public records disclosure

List of Laws Exempting or Prohibiting Disclosure Pursuant to RCW 42.56.070 (2), these procedures contain a list of laws — other than those specifically listed in the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW — which may exempt disclosure of certain public records or portions of records.

The district has identified the following laws:

  • The Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99 (regarding student educational records);

  • Washington State Student Education Records Law, RCW 28A.605.030;

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et. seq. and 34 CFR Part 300 (protecting the confidentiality of personally identifying information contained in student records of students with disabilities);

  • Privileged communications and attorney work product, such as set forth in Chapter 5.60 RCW;

  • Criminal Records Privacy Act (CRPA), Chapter 10.97, RCW;

  • Information on students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, 42 USC § 1758(b)(6);

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 45 CFR Parts 160-164 (regarding health care information privacy and security);

  • Abuse of Children – Protection and Procedure, RCW 26.44.010; RCW 26.44.030(9);

  • Notification of Juvenile Offenders, RCW 13.04.155(3);

  • Examination questions for teachers or pupils prior to the examination, Questions, RCW 28A.635.040;

  • Public Law 98-24, Section 527 of the Public Health Services Act, 41 USC § 290dd-2 (confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records);

  • United States and Washington Constitutional provisions including, but not limited to, the right of privacy and freedom of association. In addition to these exemptions, RCW 42.56.070 (9) prohibits providing access to lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes, and the district may not do so unless specifically authorized or directed by law.

The above list is for informational purposes only and is not intended to cover all possible exemptions to the Public Records Act. Under appropriate circumstances, the district may also rely upon other legal exemptions which are not set forth above or contained within the Public Records Act.