Jeffrey J. Pyle Quoted in The Eagle-Tribune Regarding Public Records Law Related to School Contracts

The Eagle-Tribune has filed a formal request under the Massachusetts Public Records Act to receive a copy of the principal’s contract with a regional vocational technical high school. The mayor and area residents are “outraged” that the principal continues to receive her salary, despite not having worked since late 2009.

The school’s superintendent has, on the advice of the school’s attorney, refused to release a copy of the agreement because it is a “personnel” record.

Prince Lobel Partner Jeff Pyle, representing The Eagle-Tribune, states that “the Public Records Act does not exempt contracts between municipalities and officers or employees from the requirement of public disclosure. Although there is an exemption for personnel records in the Public Records Act, that applies to such documents as performance evaluations and other materials that are useful for making employment decisions.” Jeff added that there is “no authority in case law” for hiding a school administrator’s contract.

Click here to read the complete article in The Eagle-Tribune, and click here to read a similar article in the sister publication The Daily News.