Sandwich Community School District 430

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

Citizens have a right to access public records of their governmental public bodies, including school districts. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) gives members of the public the right to file a request with a public body to inspect or receive copies of specific public records. FOIA aims to help ensure open, honest government.

Every public body must designate at least one person to act as the FOIA Officer. In addition, every public body must prominently display at its office and make available certain information, including the name(s) of its FOIA Officer(s). 

To allow governmental bodies to operate efficiently and to protect personal privacy, the Act exempts (excludes) specific types of records from public release, with some general examples being medical records, student records, attorney-client privileged correspondence, staff discipline files, test questions and answers, security plans, and the minutes of closed session meetings not yet approved by Board vote for release. FOIA further does not require the public body to create documentation in response to a request. The public body is only required to supply existing records.

Requesting Records

A request for inspection and/or copies of public records must be made in writing and may be submitted by personal delivery, mail, telefax, or email directed to the District's Freedom of Information Officer at sandwich430@sandwich430.org. Individuals making a request are not required to state a reason for the request other than to identify when the request is for a commercial purpose or when requesting a fee waiver. The Superintendent or designee shall instruct District employees to immediately forward any request for inspection and copying of a public record to the District's Freedom of Information Officer or designee.

Responding to Requests

The Freedom of Information Officer shall approve all requests for public records unless:

1. The requested material does not exist;
2. The requested material is exempt from inspection and copying by the Freedom of Information Act; or
3. Complying with the request would be unduly burdensome.

Within five business days after receipt of a request for access to a public record, the Freedom of Information Officer shall comply with or deny the request, unless the time for response is extended as specified in Section 3 of FOIA. The Freedom of Information Officer may extend the time for a response for up to five business days from the original due date. If an extension is needed, the Freedom of Information Officer shall: (1) notify the person making the request of the reason for the extension, and (2) either inform the person of the date on which a response will be made, or agree with the person in writing on a compliance period.

Fees

• Any person making a request for copies for public records must pay an applicable copying fee of $.15 per page. No fees will be charged for the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal copies. No fees shall be charged for electronic copies other than the cost of the recording medium. 

Sandwich 430 FOIA Officer(s)

• Ryan Janisch, Superintendent- 720 S. Wells St., Sandwich, IL 60178

Public Documents Currently Located on the Website:

• Records maintained by the District include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Finacial Reports
  • Budgets
  • Annual audits
  • Collective Bargaining Agreements
  • Assessment Reports
  • Student Policies
• Please visit the our website at District Resources- Required Postings for a complete list
  • Required Postings 

Requestor’s Right to Appeal

Pursuant to FOIA the requestor has the right to appeal the District’s response to any request. Appeals must be addressed to the Public Access Counselor (“PAC”) in the office of the Illinois Attorney General. You can contact the PAC by phone at 217-558-0486, by e-mail at publicaccess@atg.state.il.us or by mail to:

Illinois Public Access Bureau
500 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706