California Public Records Act Request
California Public Records Act (CPRA)—Government Code 7920.005, et al
Public records include any written information that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency (such as a county, city, or school district) and is related to the conduct of public business, regardless of the physical form or characteristics of the public business. Public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the state or local agency. Every person has the right to inspect any public record and obtain a copy for a fee unless, pursuant to specific statutory standards, it must be kept confidential. Agency regulations may be adopted stating the procedures to be followed when making records available.
In accordance with the CPRA, the Lancaster School District will respond to request for records that are maintained by the District and which are not exempt from public disclosure as listed in the CPRA or other statutes. In order to facilitate this process, procedures to request records are outlined below.
Submitting Requests
Requestors may download the Public Records Request Form from the District’s website or obtain a copy in person at the Business Services Department, located at 44711 N. Cedar Avenue, Lancaster, California 93534. While use of the form is not required to submit a CPRA request, it is provided to assist requestors in making a clear, specific, and complete request.
Requests for public records may be submitted in person, by U.S. mail, or via email at prr@lancsd.org.
Upon receipt of a request, the Assistant Superintendent or designee will determine within ten (10) calendar days whether the request seeks disclosable public records in the District’s possession. The District will provide written or electronic notification of this determination.
In accordance with applicable law, the initial ten (10) day period may be extended. Should an extension be necessary, the District will provide written notice to the requestor, including the reason for the extension and the anticipated date on which a determination will be made.
Identifying Records
Requests must be for records in the Lancaster School District and must be clearly identifiable records (Gov. Code Sec. 7922.530). In order to help identify the records, requesters should provide specific information about the records they seek, being as specific as possible in describing the record, the applicable dates, and the office/school that created and maintains the records.
For a comprehensive description of records available for public access, please refer to the following:
Inspection of Records
If the request is to inspect records rather than receive copies, once the records are gathered, an appointment will be made for inspection of the records. Records not inspected within two weeks of notification will be returned to storage or re-filed and the requester will be required to file a new request should he/she desire to review them.Copying Fees
The District may charge for copies of public records or other materials requested by individuals or groups. The charge shall be based on actual costs of duplication, as determined by the Superintendent or designee and as specified in administrative regulation. In order to receive public records following an approved request, copying fees will need to be paid in full prior to document release.Questions?
Contact the Business Services Department at (661) 948-4661 x50100 or at prr@lancsd.org
