Public Records Requests

High Tech High is committed to transparency and to providing public access to its records. As a California charter school, High Tech High is subject to the California Public Records Act to the same extent as other public agencies (Education Code § 47604.1; Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.). This page explains how to request public records — sometimes referred to as PRA, CPRA, or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests — and how to request student records.

Public Records Requests (PRA / CPRA / FOIA)

The California Public Records Act (CPRA) gives members of the public the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records maintained by High Tech High, subject to certain legal exemptions (for example, records protected by attorney-client privilege, personnel records, and records containing personally identifiable student information).

A note on "FOIA": The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies only to federal agencies. High Tech High is a California public charter school, so requests for our records — even if labeled "FOIA requests" — are processed under the California Public Records Act, not federal FOIA.

How to Submit a Request

A public records request does not need to follow a specific format, but to help us respond efficiently, please include:

•      Your name and preferred contact information (email and/or phone)

•      A description of the records you are requesting, specific enough to allow us to identify them (dates, names, subject matter, department, etc.)

•      Whether you would like electronic copies, paper copies, or to inspect the records in person

All Public Records Act requests must be submitted directly to the Custodian of Records at the contact information below. Requests sent to any other staff member, department, or email address may be delayed or may not be fulfilled, because only the Custodian of Records is authorized to process and respond to these requests on behalf of High Tech High.

Where to Send Your Request

Custodian of Records: Colleen Green, Compliance Officer

Email: cgreen@hightechhigh.org

Phone: 760.759.2705

Mailing Address: 1420 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92078

Requests sent to any other email address, staff member, or office will not be fulfilled. Please direct all public records requests to the Custodian of Records above.

What Happens After You Submit a Request

•      Initial response — 10 calendar days. High Tech High will respond within 10 days of receiving your request to let you know whether the records you requested are disclosable and, if so, when they will be made available (Government Code § 7922.535).

•      Possible extension — up to 14 additional days. In unusual circumstances (for example, a large volume of records, records located at multiple sites, or the need to consult with another agency), the initial response period may be extended by up to 14 additional days. You will be notified in writing if this occurs.

•      Production of records. Once located, disclosable records will be provided as promptly as reasonably possible. Some records may be partially withheld or redacted if they fall under a legal exemption; in that case, we will explain the basis for withholding those portions.

Fees

Inspecting records is free. If you request copies, you may be charged the direct cost of duplication (e.g., standard photocopy or printing costs). If a request requires programming or data extraction costs for electronic records, you will be notified of any applicable cost before it is incurred.

Student Records Requests (Not Transcripts)

Requests for a specific student's educational records are handled differently from general public records requests, because student records are confidential and protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and California Education Code § 49060 et seq. They are not available to the general public and can only be released to the student's parent/guardian, an eligible student (18 or older, or attending a postsecondary institution), or someone with written, notarized authorization from a parent/eligible student.

•      Who can request: A parent or legal guardian of a currently enrolled or former student, or the student themselves if they are an eligible student.

•      What's included: Cumulative files, disciplinary records, special education records, health records maintained by the school, and other records maintained by High Tech High about a specific student.

•      Response time: Under Education Code § 49069.7, access must be granted no later than 5 business days after the request is received.

•      This is not the process for transcripts. Official transcript requests (for college applications, employment, enrollment elsewhere, etc.) are handled separately by Admissions Office. Please visit them at this Transcript Request link. 

To request a copy of your student's records, submit your request in writing to the Custodian of Records using the same contact information listed above, and note that you are requesting "student records" and identify the student's full name, date of birth, and the school(s) they attended.

Questions?

If you're not sure whether your request should be handled as a general public records request or a student records request, or if you have any other questions about this process, please contact the Custodian of Records:

Colleen Green, Compliance Officer

Email: cgreen@hightechhigh.org

Phone: 760.759.2705