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OSPI Public Records Request

How do I make a request for public records?

Washington law requires state and local agencies to make public records available to the public. This law, the Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56, supports the public’s right to be informed about what their government is doing.

The Act also requires that the public records requested are "identifiable". Your public records request must include a reasonable description that would allow an OSPI employee to locate the records. A general question is not a public disclosure request.

For other records, please read below.

Here’s how to request a public record from OSPI:

Step 1: Complete the request

  • Download the request form from the OSPI website as a pdf or Word document.
    OR
  • You may also choose to write a letter and e-mail; fax; deliver; or mail it to OSPI. Please include in your letter all information on the form.

    E-mail requests will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. If you do not receive this confirmation, please call (360) 725-6372.

If you have trouble downloading the form, want a paper copy mailed to you or have more questions please e-mail us: PublicRecordsRequest@k12.wa.us or call 360-725-6372.


Step 2: Submit the request

After filling out the form or letter (electronically or by hand):

  • Return it by e-mail to: PublicRecordsRequest@k12.wa.us
  • Return it by mail to:
    Public Disclosure Office
    Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
    600 S. Washington
    PO Box 47200
    Olympia, WA 98504-7200
  • Return it by FAX to: 360-586-7251 - ATTN: Public Disclosure Officer

Please be sure to identify on the form or letter the records or documents you are requesting in enough detail that an OSPI employee can locate them.

Please include your contact information in case we have questions about the documents you are requesting.


Step 3: Exemptions to public records

The Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56 states that certain records are exempt from disclosure. These exemptions are intended to prevent unreasonable invasions of personal privacy or the use of public records for personal or commercial gain. Certain information may be exempt and redacted (removed) from documents. To view a sample of common OSPI exemptions (click here).


Step 4: Costs to review or receive documents

There is no charge to view documents at the agency.

OSPI charges the following for copying documents:

  • Copying letter- and legal-sized documents: $0.15/per impression
  • Audio tapes, video tapes, diskettes, CD/DVD based on actual cost

OSPI will calculate any copying costs and notify you of the charge in advance.


Download Forms:
Request for Public Record (pdf) (Word)


Contact:
Public Disclosure Office
(360) 725-6372
FAX (360) 586-7251
PublicRecordsRequest@k12.wa.us

E-mail requests will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. If you do not receive this confirmation, please call (360) 725-6372.

 

Old Capitol Building, PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA  98504-7200  (360) 725-6000  TTY (360) 664-3631