Right-To-Know



Pennsylvania's Right-To-Know Law took effect January 1, 2009. The law concerns public access to records at public institutions and government agencies. The most significant change is that the burden of proof is now on the institution or agency to show why a record should not be released; there are 31 categories of records exempted under this law. The law does not overrule existing laws such as FERPA or HIPAA that limit access to certain records.

School districts are explicitly required to comply with the Right-To-Know Law. What does this mean for you? You should know some of the most important provisions of the law before submitting a request.

Right to Know requests will only be fulfilled if submitted on the Pennsylvania Standard Right-To-Know Request Form, and submitted by a person that is a legal resident of the United States. Anonymous requests will not be fulfilled. We reserve the right to request proof of a requester’s status in the form of submission of any or all of the following: a physical address, proof of legal status in the United States such as a social security number, copy of passport, driver’s license or immigration documents.

  • HOW:  Requests must be in writing via hard-copy mail, in person, fax, or email.  Download or print the request form, or you can pick one up at the District Office. 

  • WHAT:  Requests for information must be specific as to the record(s) desired. You do not have to give a reason for the request. Requests are not intended as a process for answering questions. If you have questions, please contact one of our administrators.

  • WHO:  Requests must be submitted to the Open Records Officer:

Dr. Lucas Clouse
West Perry School District
2606 Shermans Valley Road
Elliottsburg, PA 17024
Phone: 717-789-3934
Fax: 717-789-4997
Email: [email protected]

  • WHEN: A response to the request will be issued within five business days from the time it is received by the Open Records Officer.

  • COST:  You may be charged duplication and postage fees in keeping with standards set by the Office of Open Records. Prepayment may be required if fees are expected to exceed $100.