Public Information Act Requests
What is the Public Information Act?
First enacted in 1970, the Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA") grants the public the right to obtain access to public records that are in the custody and control of an agency. An agency must provide access to requested records unless the records fall within one of the exceptions in the statute. The MPIA covers public agencies and officials in Maryland, including the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).
What is a public record?
A public record is an original or copy of a record that is made by or received by the school system in connection with the transaction of public business and is in any form, to include correspondence, a computerized record, a card, a photograph or photostat, films or microfilms, a recording, a tape, a map, a drawing, and printed and electronically stored versions of electronic mail messages.
Will I be charged a fee for the public records requested?
Under the MPIA, agencies may be compensated for the actual costs incurred for the search, review, preparation, and duplication of the records requested. No fee is assessed for the first two hours expended.Superintendent’s Rule 2373, Public Information Act Requests, outlines the process and fees.
Beginning January 1, 2025, submit your MPIA Application through JustFOIA
How do I submit a request for public information?
- IMPORTANT: AS OF JANUARY 1, 2025, Requests will no longer be accepted via email. Please submit requests through the JustFOIA portal: “Baltimore County Public Schools, MD Records Requests - Make a new request”
- Once your request has been submitted, you will be able to:
- Receive a confirmatory email containing a Request Reference Number and Security Key so you can track the status of your request.
- Communicate directly with the MPIA Officer about your request
- Access your invoice and make a credit card payment for responsive records, if a fee is required.
- Access responsive records once they have been published
If you do not have access to the internet, you may still make your request by U.S. mail:
- You may send written correspondence to:
Vickie L. Wash, Esq.
Policy and Compliance Officer
Baltimore County Public Schools
6901 N. Charles St.
Towson, MD 21204
443-809-4060
All requests for public records must include the applicant’s full name, mailing address, and telephone number. Requests must also reasonably identify, by brief description, the public record sought and include a time frame for the records being requested, e.g., specific date range, fiscal year, calendar year, etc.
What If I'm a Military Recruiter?
Please submit your request in one of the ways indicated in "How do I submit a request for public information?" above.
Helpful Resources:
Superintendent’s Rule 2373, Public Information Act Requests
Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Public Information Act
Readily Available Records
This site contains documents and information shared at Board of Education meetings, Board of Education Committee Meetings, and Education Transparency Act descriptions.
- Maryland State Department of Education, School Report Card
The Maryland State Department of Education's site includes statewide test performance information, graduation rates, demographic information, and other data for every school system in Maryland.