FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

In the Matter of a Complaint by Final Decision

Kathy A. Velky,

Complainant

against Docket #FIC 93-31

Regional School District 14 Board of Education,

Respondent August 11, 1993

The above-captioned matter was heard as a contested case on June 10, 1993, at which time the complainant and the respondent appeared, stipulated to certain facts and presented testimony, exhibits and argument on the complaint.

After consideration of the entire record, the following facts are found and conclusions of law are reached:

1. The respondent is a public agency within the meaning of 1-18a(a), G.S.

2. By letter of complaint filed February 4, 1993, the complainant appealed to the Commission, alleging that:

a. her request for a copy of a certain school procedure or regulation had been denied;

b. she had received no letter stating that there was no such procedure or regulation; and

c. the respondent was not in compliance with its own policies and regulations.

3. It is found that the complainant by letter dated January 26, 1993 requested a copy of any policy, rule, regulation, procedure or amendment requiring a parent to give two days notice before visiting a classroom.

4. It is found that the respondent by letter dated January 27, 1993 provided to the complainant a copy of the board policy directing the superintendent of schools to establish regulations concerning visitations; a copy of the board policy indicating that it is the duty of the superintendent to prepare administrative regulations implementing board policies; and a copy of the 1992-1993 parent handbook for the Mitchell Elementary School (which the complainant's child attends), which sets forth "Observation Practices for Parents," including the requirement that visits be arranged at least two days in advance.

Docket #FIC 93-31 Page 2

5. It is concluded that the documents provided to the complainant are public records within the meaning of 1-18a(d) and 1-19(a), G.S.

6. The complainant maintains that the records she received are not board-adopted policies or regulations concerning parental visits.

7. It is found, however, that the records provided to the complainant were responsive to her request, are all the records the respondent has that are responsive to her request, and were provided promptly upon request.

8. With respect to the allegations described in paragraphs 2.b and 2.c, above, it is concluded that the complainant has not alleged a violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

The following order by the Commission is hereby recommended on the basis of the record concerning the above-captioned complaint:

1. The complaint is dismissed.

Approved by Order of the Freedom of Information Commission at its regular meeting of August 11, 1993.

Debra L. Rembowski

Acting Clerk of the Commission

Docket #FIC 93-31 Page 3

PURSUANT TO SECTION 4-180(c), G.S. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE NAMES OF EACH PARTY AND THE MOST RECENT MAILING ADDRESS, PROVIDED TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION, OF THE PARTIES OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE.

THE PARTIES TO THIS CONTESTED CASE ARE:

Kathy A. Velky

626 Washington Road

Woodbury, CT 06798

Regional School District 14 Board of Education

c/o Atty. William R. Connan

Sullivan, Lettick & Schoen

646 Prospect Avenue

Hartford, CT 06105

Debra L. Rembowski

Acting Clerk of the Commission