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PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST

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.

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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.

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

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All public records requests must be directed to the Public Records Officers. This employee may be contacted by mail or email at the addresses listed below. 

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PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN YOUR WRITTEN SUBMISSION:

  • Your full name

  • Date and time of request

  • Your address

  • Your phone number

  • Your email address (optional)

  • A detailed description of the record(s) being requested

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Requests should be sent to:

Public Records Officer: Morgen Flowers-Washington; Head of School

777 E Magnesium Rd | Spokane, WA 99208

Phone: (509) 209-8730

Email: flowers@spokaneintlacademy.org

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Copies of Records

If the requestor wishes to have physical copies of the records made instead of a digital format, he or she shall make this clear in the request and arrange to pay for copies of the records to be made.

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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. SIA 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 USC 1400 et. seq. and 34 CFR Part 300 (protecting the confidentiality of personally identifying information contained in students 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 lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes, and SIA may not do so unless specifically authorized by law.

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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, SIA may also rely upon other legal exemptions which are not set forth above or contained within the Public Records Act.

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Cost of Printed Copies and Mailing

Fifteen (15) cents per page for all requests is the cost of providing photocopies or printed copies of electronic records in response to public records requests. Payment may be made by check or money order to Spokane International Academy. SIA will also charge actual costs of mailing, including the cost of shipping containers or envelopes.

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If requested, SIA will provide a summary of the applicable charges before any copies are made. The requester will be allowed to revise the request in order to reduce applicable charges. The Public Records Officer or designee will require the payment of the copying costs before providing requested records, or the payment of the costs of copying an installment before providing that installment.

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Costs for Electronic Records

There will be no charge for the electronic submission of files to the requester if files may be uploaded to a drop box or similar program. However, should the size of the request necessitate an external device, the requester will pay 100% of the actual costs of the needed device plus shipping.

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Access to Index of Public Records Request

As a result of the high volume and diversity of records continuously generated by SIA, maintaining a current index of all SIA's records would be impractical. In compliance with RCW 42.56.070, a current index of records will not be published online.

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Hours of Inspection

Normal business office hours for SIA during the school year (mid-August through June) are Monday-Thursday 7:15 am - 4 pm and Friday 7:15 am - 2 pm, excluding school holidays and breaks. During summer months (July-August) we follow a modified office schedule according to the annual school calendar and staff availability over summer break. Please consult our school calendar available on our website or contact us for the modified schedule during summer months.

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