The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that every person has a right of access to public information. This right of access includes the right to inspect, copy or have copies of records provided.
The Secretary of State has published a guide that outlines the law and provides an FAQ and allowable exemptions.
A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law 2017 ed (PDF)
What is a Public Record
Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. The Records Access Officer (RAO) must prove with specificity why certain records should be allowed to be withheld. All requests for public records must be directed to the RAO.
Examples
Many public records held and maintained by the School are as follows: minutes from meetings, school financial information, annual reports, school correspondence, policies/regulations, and contracts. Much of this information resides on this website and can be found by utilizing the search bar above.
Making a Request
All requests for public records must be directed to the RAO. The RAO has up to 10 days to provide a response to the request and is only required to provide records that are in existence. Under the updated Public Records Law, RAOs are required to provide public records in an electronic format, unless the record is not available electronically or the requester does not have the ability to receive or access electronic formats.
Requests should be written, and may be made in person, through the postal mail, by fax, or through electronic mail either email RAO@weston.org or click on button below for electronic form). A reasonable description of the document(s) requested should be provided, to assist the RAO in identifying the requested documents.
Online Submission
Alternatively, a request may be made by submitting an online form that is available through the following link:
Fees
Black and white copies/print-outs are $0.05 per page for single and double-sided when electronic records are not available. Materials that are not susceptible to ordinary means of reproduction may be assessed the actual cost of reproduction.
Time to prepare and compile documents: $25 per hour of staff time for searching, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing may be assessed. The RAO will provide a good-faith estimate for the cost of complying with a request in advance.
