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Maryland Public Information Act Requests

Public Information Act Requests

What is the Public Information Act?
First enacted in 1970, Maryland’s Public Information Act (MPIA) grants the public the right to have access to public records that are in the custody and control of an agency. An agency must provide access to requested records unless such access falls 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 the original or a copy of any documentary material 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 recoup the actual costs incurred for the search, review, and duplication of the records requested. No fee is assessed for the first two hours. Superintendent’s Rule 2373, Public Information Act Requests, outlines the process and fees.

How do I submit a request for public information?
Written requests may be submitted in the following manner:

Margaret-Ann F. Howie, Esq., General Counsel
Baltimore County Public Schools
6901 N. Charles St.
Towson, MD 21204
443-809-4060

(Note regarding mailed requests: While you may mail your request, please note that we are experiencing limited mail delivery and mail processing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

All requests for public records must include the applicant’s full name, mailing address, and telephone number; reasonably identify, by brief description, the public record sought; and include a time frame for your request; e.g., specific date range, fiscal year, calendar year, etc.

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 and the Board of Education Committee Meetings, Education Transparency Act descriptions. All of the Board’s policies and Superintendent’s rules may also be accessed here.

  • Maryland State Department of Education, School Report Card

    The Maryland State Department of Education maintains this site which includes state test performance, graduation rates, demographic information and other date for every school system in Maryland.
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