The Chenango Valley Central School District is committed to transparency and public access to records in accordance with the New York State Public Officers Law, including the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requirements under Sections 87 and 89. Access to district records shall follow the rules and regulations established by the State Committee on Open Government.
Records Access Officer
A Records Access Officer shall be designated by the Superintendent, subject to Board of Education approval, to coordinate the District’s response to public requests for access to records. The Records Access Officer shall:
Receive and log all FOIL requests
Oversee retrieval, review, and disclosure of requested records
Maintain compliance with required timelines and notification procedures
Access to Records and Format of Disclosure
The District shall provide copies of records in the format and on the medium requested if it can reasonably do so. This requirement applies regardless of burden, volume, or cost associated with responding to the FOIL request.
If records are maintained electronically and the District has the capability to retrieve and provide them electronically, such records will be made available in that format upon request.
Request for Records via Email
The District shall accept requests for records submitted by electronic mail and respond to such requests by electronic mail when appropriate. Instructions and designated email contact information for submitting FOIL requests shall be clearly posted on the District website.
When records are accessible through the District’s website, the District’s response may inform the requester of that access in lieu of providing printed materials, unless otherwise required by law.
Notification of Disclosure of Employee Disciplinary Records
Overview
In accordance with New York State Public Officers Law, the District establishes the following process to notify employees when their disciplinary records are disclosed in response to a FOIL request.
Scope
This section applies to all current and former employees of the District whose disciplinary records may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
Definition of Employee Disciplinary Records
For purposes of this policy, disciplinary records include any record created in furtherance of a disciplinary proceeding, including but not limited to:
a. Complaints, allegations, and charges against an employee
b. The name of the employee complained of or charged
c. Transcripts of disciplinary trials or hearings, including exhibits
d. Final determination or disposition of the disciplinary proceeding
e. Any final written opinion or memorandum supporting the disposition, including factual findings and analysis
Notification Upon Release of Disciplinary Records
When disciplinary records of an employee are released under FOIL:
Method of Notification
Current employees will be notified via their District-issued email address or, if unavailable, by mailing to the employee’s home address on file.
Former employees will be notified via the last known home address on file.
The District will make reasonable efforts to contact former employees and document attempts at notification.
Content of Notification
The notification shall include a brief description of the records released. Employee consent is not required for disclosure or notification. The purpose of this notification is informational and ensures employees are aware of the public release of their disciplinary information.
New York State Public Officers Law Sections 87, 89