Public Records Requests and Claims
The Washington State Public Records Act, RCW 42.56 allows the public to request and inspect government records. The White River School District is committed to providing transparency and accessibility to public records under Washington State law.
Requests for public records shall be submitted using the online Public Records Request form, in writing to the Public Records Officer by mail, fax, or email, using the Public Records Request form, or in writing that clearly identifies that a request for public records is being made and that contains the information required within the Request for Public Records form.
Please submit your request using either the:
WRSD Request for Public Records Online Form (preferred)
or the fillable form:
If the request is for a list of individuals, please be advised that RCW 42.56.070(9) does not authorize the District to release such information for any commercial purposes unless otherwise expressly required by law. A Declaration for Noncommercial Use of a List of Names form must also be completed.
White River School District No. 416
Attn: Public Records Officer
PO Box 2050
Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-3814
(360) 829-3893 Fax
Student Records: Access to student records is governed by Federal law under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Records for students who are currently enrolled are available at the school. Please reach out to your school office for requests for student records.
Transcript Requests: Transcripts are not public records. For current students, please reach out to your school. For students who have graduated more than a year ago, please visit our High School Transcript Requests page.
Costs
Cost of Providing Records, Waiver of Costs, and Agreements Regarding Costs: RCW 42.56.120 provides that there may be costs associated with printed/electronic copies as well as the cost of any digital storage media or device provided by the District, the actual cost of any container or envelope used to mail the copies to the requestor, and the actual postage or delivery charge. Please see School Board Policy 4040 Procedure for a more detailed description of costs.
Exemptions
List of Laws Exempting or Prohibiting Disclosure: Pursuant to RCW 42.56.070 (2), these rules 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. The District has identified the following laws:
- The Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g (regarding student educational records);
- Washington State Student Education Records Law, RCW 28A.605.030;
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et. seq. and 34 C.F.R. Part 300 (protecting the confidentiality of personally identifying information contained in student 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 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 question 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. The above list includes only exemptions that may be in addition to those set forth in Chapter 42.56 RCW. Under appropriate circumstances, the district may rely upon other legal exemptions that are not set forth above or contained within the public disclosure law.
In addition to these exemptions, here are a few notable exemptions identified in the Washington Public Records Act:
- RCW 42.56.070 (9) prohibits providing access to lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes, and the district may not do so unless specifically authorized or directed by law.
- RCW 42.56.230(1) exempts personal information in any files maintained for students in public schools.
- RCW 42.56.230(2)(iii) exempts a student’s personal information in any records pertaining to the student, including correspondence.
- RCW 42.56.250(1)(i) allows an employee who is a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment to submit documentation to the district allowing the district to exempt their name and other personally identifying information from public disclosure.
The above lists are for informational purposes only and are not intended to cover all possible exemptions from the public records law.
Standard Tort Claim Form: Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1553, effective July 26, 2009, requires citizens to present the Standard Tort Claim form with the government agency named in their claim. The law also requires state and local government agencies to post the Standard Tort Claim form on their websites with instructions on how to complete it. In compliance with these requirements and for the convenience of citizens, The State Office of Financial Management (OFM) developed a Standard Tort Claim Form Packet.
Under Chapter 4.92 RCW, this form is for filing a tort claim against the White River School District. Some of the information requested on this form is required by RCW 4.92.100 and may be subject to public disclosure.
According to the new law, Standard Tort Claim forms cannot be submitted electronically (via e-mail or fax).