Public Records Requests

Please save the form to your desktop, then complete and forward to the Public Records Officer via email: [email protected].

What is a public record?

The Public Records Act (PRA) defines a public record as “any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental proprietary function prepared, owed, used or retained by any state of local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.” RCW 42.56.070 requires each agency to make available for inspection and copying non-exempt public records in accordance with the Public Records Act.

West Valley School District is committed to full disclosure and transparency in making public records available. If you’re not sure what to request, feel free to call 509-924-2150 for assistance. If you can provide information on what it is you’re looking for, we can help identify the record you need or the staff member who can provide the information.

Processing of Public Records Requests
The Public Records Act governs each agency to provide access to public records and protect records from damage. The District will provide the fullest assistance to requestors, and provide a timely response to public records requests. The public records officer or designee will process requests in the order allowing the most requests to be processed in the most efficient manner and without excessive interference with other essential functions of the District.

Within five (5) business days of receipt of the request, the public records officer will do one or more of the following:

a) Acknowledge receipt of request and provide a reasonable estimate of when records will be available; or

b) Make the records available for inspection or copying; or

c) Seek clarification of request if needed; or

d) Deny the request.

For additional district-specific details regarding policies and procedures (including fees and additional processing information), review the information at these links:

4040 – Policy - Public Access to District Records
4040 – Procedure - Public Access to District Records

Emails and Electronic Records
If your request includes emails or other electronic records, it may be helpful to provide a specific date range and suggest search terms that will allow the district to local and assemble identifiable records responsive to your request. Please keep in mind that email records take longer to process than other records requests.

Requests for Lists of Individuals
RCW 42.56.070 prohibits organizations from providing access to lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes. If your request includes information for students and/or employees, the district will request that you complete a Commercial Purposes Declaration form before proceeding with the request.