California Public Records Act Requests

A public record is any writing containing information related to the conduct of the public’s business that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by a state or local agency, regardless of its physical form.

Public records may include documents, correspondence, reports, meeting materials, photographs, audio or video recordings, and electronic records maintained by the District.

The CPRA applies to existing records. It does not require the District to create a new document, conduct research, answer questions, or prepare a summary in response to a request.

Some commonly requested information may already be available on the MUSD website, including:

• Board meeting agendas and minutes

• Board policies and administrative regulations

• District budgets and financial reports

• Local Control and Accountability Plans

• School Accountability Report Cards

• District plans, calendars, and organizational information

Searching the District website before submitting a request may help you obtain the information more quickly.

Student records and transcripts

A CPRA request is not the appropriate process for obtaining an individual student’s records, report cards, transcripts, diplomas, or special education records.

Parents, guardians, eligible students, and former students should contact the student’s current or former school for assistance with student records.

Requests may be submitted using the District’s Public Records Request form.

To help District staff locate the requested records efficiently, please provide as much specific information as possible, including:

• The subject or type of record

• A clear description of the records requested

• Relevant dates or a date range

• The names of relevant schools, departments, programs, employees, vendors, or other individuals

• Any titles, project names, keywords, or other details that may help identify the records

• Your preferred method of receiving or inspecting the records

• Contact information where the District can communicate with you about the request

You do not need to explain why you are requesting the records.

If a request is broad or unclear, District staff may contact you to help identify the records you are seeking and make the request more focused and effective.

The District will review your request promptly.

Within 10 calendar days after receiving a request for copies, the District will determine whether it possesses identifiable, disclosable records responsive to the request and notify you of its determination.

The 10-day period is the timeframe for making an initial determination. It is not necessarily the deadline for producing all responsive records.

In unusual circumstances, the District may extend the determination period by up to 14 additional days. If an extension is necessary, the District will provide written notice explaining the reason and the anticipated determination date.

When responsive records are available for disclosure, the District will provide them promptly. The time required will depend on factors such as:

• The number and location of responsive records

• The need to review records for confidential or exempt information

• The need to consult with multiple schools, departments, or agencies

• The complexity of locating or compiling electronic records

• The District’s operational needs

The District will provide an estimated production schedule when appropriate. Records may be provided in installments when a request involves a large volume of material.

No. State and federal laws protect certain records and information from public disclosure.

Records may be withheld or redacted when they contain legally protected information, including certain:

• Student education records

• Personnel, medical, or similar private information

• Attorney-client privileged communications

• Records related to pending litigation

• Security, emergency-response, or investigative information

• Preliminary drafts, notes, or memoranda protected by law

• Information whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

When only part of a record is exempt, the District will generally redact the protected information and disclose the reasonably separable remainder. If records are withheld, the District will identify the legal basis for doing so.

There is no charge to submit a request or to inspect public records at a mutually convenient time during regular District business hours.

The District may charge the direct cost of duplication when copies are requested. Additional charges may apply when authorized by law for certain electronic records that require data extraction, programming, or a customized service.

If a request is expected to involve a fee, the District will provide an estimate before proceeding.