FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

 

In the Matter of a Complaint by                                         FINAL DECISION

 

Carrie W. Gordon and Success Programs,

 

                        Complainants

 

            against                                                       Docket #FIC 88‑254

 

Redding Superintendent of Schools,

 

                        Respondent                                               October 12, 1988

 

            The above‑captioned matter was heard as a contested case on August 17, 1988, at which time the complainants appeared but the respondent failed to appear.

 

            After consideration of the entire record, the following facts are found:

 

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

 

            2.         By letter dated May 26, 1988 the complainants made a request of the respondent for a list of parents of tenth and eleventh grade students in the respondent's school system.

 

            3.         The respondent failed to respond to the complainants' request for records.

 

            4.         By letter of complaint filed with the Commission on June 27, 1988 the complainants appealed the respondent's failure to provide the requested records.

 

            5.         At hearing, the complainants clarified their request by stating that they were seeking the names and addresses of parents of tenth and eleventh grade students.

 

            6.         It is found that a list of parents' names and addresses prepared, owned, used, received or retained by a school system is recorded data or information relating to the conduct of the public's business and is, therefore, a public record within the meaning of §1‑18a(d), G.S.

 

            7.         The respondent, having failed to appear at hearing, also failed to prove that the requested public record is exempt from disclosure by any provision of the Freedom of Information Act, other state statute or federal law.

 

Docket #FIC 88‑254                                                                                                 Page Two

 

            8.         It is concluded that the respondent violated §§1‑15 and 1‑19(a), G.S. when he failed to provide the complainants with the requested list.

 

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

 

            1.         The respondent forthwith shall provide the complainants with a list of the names and addresses of parents of tenth and eleventh grade students in the respondent's school system.

 

            Approved by order of the Freedom of Information Commission at its special meeting of October 12, 1988.

                                                                                                   

                                                                             Catherine H. Lynch

                                                                             Acting Clerk of the Commission