Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
New York State’s Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §87
et. seq. ) allows members of the public to access records of governmental
agencies. FOIL provides a process for the review and copying of
an agency’s
records. More information about the Freedom of Information Law
can be found at: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/foil2.html
.
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests
Freedom of Information Law requests for State Education Department records may be made by:
Mail:
Records Access Officer
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Ave, Room 115 EB
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-6569
Fax: (518) 473-4909
Sample FOIL Request for Records
E-Mail:FOIL@mail.nysed.gov
Fee for Duplication of Records:
SED charges the statutorily permitted fee of $.25 per page for duplication of records requested under FOIL (Public Officers Law §87[1][b][iii]). There is no provision in law or regulation for waiver of this fee. Payment must be made to the NYS Education Department by check or money order. Payment should not be submitted until you are notified that your request is granted and informed of the charge for your request.
Inspection of Records:
SED records are available for inspection at no cost to the public. Copies
are available at the statutorily permitted duplication fee of $.25 per page
by check or money order made payable to the New York State Education Department.
Requests for inspection must be in writing and addressed to the Records
Access Officer via regular or electronic mail or facsimile. The Records
Access Officer will acknowledge receipt and provide the requestor with the
SED staff person's name, title, and phone number to schedule an appointment
at a mutually convenient date and time for inspection. Records or portions
thereof which are prohibited from disclosure pursuant to FOIL will be redacted
or omitted; the requestor will be notified of the reason(s) for the redaction(s)
and of the procedures to appeal to the Commissioner of Education. Inspection
of records are by appointment between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
FOIL Appeal Procedures:
Any person denied access to a record may within thirty days appeal in writing to:
Commissioner of Education
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Room 111, Education Building
Albany, NY 12234