Buncombe County Submitted: September 14, 2021 | Updated: May 13, 2022

(September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Hello Buncombe County, NC Schools (Records Officer) [and Board of Education Chair CCed],

I’d like to make a public records request for the following information under NC Public Records Law:

Please provide all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding "mask mandates". The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.
-----

For all requested items above, please provide all .pdfs, files, attachments, videos, hyperlinks, etc. that are indicated within the responsive records. For example: A .pdf that is an attachment within an email, should also be provided as a document along with the responsive emails.

Please include all of those additional documents where applicable, as relates to the requested information above.

If the records are ultimately too large to send via emailed file share, I'd ask that you please create a public Google Drive folder / link or some other file format to transfer the files electronically.

Thank you for your assistance!

Editor’s Note: Sunshine Request makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.

Editor’s Note 09/14/21: We apologize for the delay in processing and publishing this request on our site. Sunshine Request is a project built and run by a small team at PRC Applications. We run the site in addition to our primary business. While we will always do our best to process and follow up on requests as quickly as possible, there may be occasional delays, depending on our availability in a given week or month.

Thank you for using www.sunshinerequest.com!

Status: Government Denied Request

Activity:

May 13, 2022 3:42 pm
1 year ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>, [email protected], [email protected], Susanne swanger <[email protected]>, [email protected], [email protected], Barry Pace <[email protected]>
date: May 13, 2022, 3:42 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia (and all CCed),

On September 16, 2021, 3:37 PM I submitted a simple public records request to BCS for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates” .

Stacia has indicated that “… the requested documents are available for inspection or pick up at our Central Office” and that “… The documents will remain at our front desk until they are picked up.”

As a result, BCS has not fulfilled my September request. I asked for email records – These records exist in an electronic medium, and I would like them to be provided electronically, as was requested.

If BCS will be further delaying or denying fulfillment of my request, then please ask your legal team to specifically cite where this is justified under NC Public Records Law.

Until resolution has been achieved, I am going to once again mark this September 2021 request with a “Denied” status on my end. If at any point BCS would like to provide the electronic records, then I will be happy to reopen and revisit at that time.

Thank you for your assistance!

~ The Sunshine Request Team

Status: Government Denied Request
May 6, 2022 2:46 pm
1 year ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>,
Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: May 6, 2022, 2:46 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Hi Stacia,

Thank you for your reply.

Under NC Public Records Law, we are not required to come in person to pick up records which should already exist and have been provided in an electronic medium as requested. We did not ask for your to create or compile any of the requested records in a format or medium in which they do not already exist. If you are unable to provide the files via email, and mailing a CD or Flash drive is what is required, that’s ok. In that case, please let me know and I’ll be happy to provide our mailing address (PO Box) at that time.

If you are denying further fulfillment of this request, please specifically cite where a reason for the denial is justified under NC Public Records Law.

Once again I’d like to direct your attention to our response from April 05, 2022 [Copied below].
——–

“Good afternoon Stacia,

Following up on my previous email from 3/24. I’ve reposted the content of that email below for your reference.

“Good afternoon Stacia,

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your offer to drop off the files!

However, to reiterate my previous message – Can you please clarify whether you’re saying the “documents” / files you’ve generated are paper printouts of emails only, and that it’s impossible to deliver these electronic records in an electronic format? Or, is this request going to be delivered in a CD or Flash drive format?

This records request asked for:

“… all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding “mask mandates”. The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.”

I do not need paper printouts of associated files for this request, and would appreciate it if you could please send the records digitally as requested. Emails are records that already exist in an “electronic medium”, so it is unclear if or why the files would need to be printed, if that is the case.

Under NC Public Records Law you should be able to provide these types of electronic records in a digital format such as Google Drive link, Dropbox, emailed response, .PDF, CD or Flash drive (if necessary).

Ref: https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html

If you are unable to provide the files via email, and mailing a CD or Flash drive is what is required, that’s ok. In that case, please let me know and I’ll be happy to provide our mailing address (PO Box) at that time.

Thank you!”

I will plan on following up again at the end of the month if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!”
——–

~ Sunshine Request Team

Status: Clarification Requested
May 6, 2022 2:30 pm
1 year ago

from: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>,
Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: May 6, 2022, 2:30 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Hello-
Please note that the requested documents are available for inspection or pick up at our Central Office- 175 Bingham Rd. Please ask the requestor to come in through entrance A between the hours of 7:30am and 4:30pm. The documents will remain at our front desk until they are picked up.

Best,
Stacia

Stacia Harris
Director of Communications
Buncombe County Schools
Office: (828) 350-2261
Cell: (828) 242-4409
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.”
Alexandra K. Trenfor

All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

Status: Response Received from Government
May 4, 2022 5:13 pm
1 year ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>,
Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: May 4, 2022, 5:13 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

This is our 3rd attempt at following up with you on this request seeking clarification on our previous emails. At this time we are going to mark this request as denied on our site, and if you wish to reply in the future we will reopen the request.

Thank you!

Status: Government Denied Request
April 5, 2022 1:56 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>, Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: Apr 5, 2022, 1:56 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

Following up on my previous email from 3/24. I’ve reposted the content of that email below for your reference.

“Good afternoon Stacia,

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your offer to drop off the files!

However, to reiterate my previous message – Can you please clarify whether you’re saying the “documents” / files you’ve generated are paper printouts of emails only, and that it’s impossible to deliver these electronic records in an electronic format? Or, is this request going to be delivered in a CD or Flash drive format?

This records request asked for:

“… all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding “mask mandates”. The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.”

I do not need paper printouts of associated files for this request, and would appreciate it if you could please send the records digitally as requested. Emails are records that already exist in an “electronic medium”, so it is unclear if or why the files would need to be printed, if that is the case.

Under NC Public Records Law you should be able to provide these types of electronic records in a digital format such as Google Drive link, Dropbox, emailed response, .PDF, CD or Flash drive (if necessary).

Ref: https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html

If you are unable to provide the files via email, and mailing a CD or Flash drive is what is required, that’s ok. In that case, please let me know and I’ll be happy to provide our mailing address (PO Box) at that time.

Thank you!”

I will plan on following up again at the end of the month if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
March 24, 2022 3:56 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>,
Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: Mar 24, 2022, 3:56 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your offer to drop off the files!

However, to reiterate my previous message – Can you please clarify whether you’re saying the “documents” / files you’ve generated are paper printouts of emails only, and that it’s impossible to deliver these electronic records in an electronic format? Or, is this request going to be delivered in a CD or Flash drive format?

This records request asked for:

“… all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding “mask mandates”. The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.”

I do not need paper printouts of associated files for this request, and would appreciate it if you could please send the records digitally as requested. Emails are records that already exist in an “electronic medium”, so it is unclear if or why the files would need to be printed, if that is the case.

Under NC Public Records Law you should be able to provide these types of electronic records in a digital format such as Google Drive link, Dropbox, emailed response, .PDF, CD or Flash drive (if necessary).

Ref: https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bychapter/chapter_132.html

If you are unable to provide the files via email, and mailing a CD or Flash drive is what is required, that’s ok. In that case, please let me know and I’ll be happy to provide our mailing address (PO Box) at that time.

Thank you!

Status: Clarification Requested
March 22, 2022 2:08 pm
2 years ago

from: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>,
Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: Mar 22, 2022, 2:08 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Hello- What is your address? We will drop the documents off directly to your offices.
Thanks-

Best,
Stacia

Stacia Harris
Director of Communications
Buncombe County Schools
Office: (828) 350-2261
Cell: (828) 242-4409

Status: Response Received from Government
March 22, 2022 2:02 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>,
Susanne swanger <[email protected]>
date: Mar 22, 2022, 2:02 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

I’m following up on our response to you that was sent on Jan 27, 2022, 5:07 PM, which said:

“Hi Stacia,

Thank you for your reply.

Your response today indicates that the responsive records are ready to be “inspected / picked up” in person? Is the format of these files hard copy (paper) printouts of emails, or, is this a CD or Flash drive?

This request called for:

“… all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding “mask mandates”. The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.

—–

For all requested items above, please provide all .pdfs, files, attachments, videos, hyperlinks, etc. that are indicated within the responsive records. For example: A .pdf that is an attachment within an email, should also be provided as a document along with the responsive emails.

Please include all of those additional documents where applicable, as relates to the requested information above.

If the records are ultimately too large to send via emailed file share, I’d ask that you please create a public Google Drive folder / link or some other file format to transfer the files electronically.”

Ref: https://www.sunshinerequest.com/records_request/september-2021-request-for-buncombe-county-nc-schools-board-of-education-emails-08-01-21-08-12-21-regarding-mask-mandates/

Emails are “electronic communications”. As these are records already in a digital format, it is unclear if / why the files would need to be printed, if that is the case.

Additionally, we do not need physical copies of associated files for this request, nor is it required by law that we must come to your office in person to pick up records, if you are suggesting that’s the only way they can be provided.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could send a digital copy of the requested records – Under NC Public Records Law you should be able to provide these in a digital format such as Google Drive, Dropbox, email, pdf, CD / flash drive (if necessary), etc.

Is it possible that the files could be uploaded to something like a public Dropbox or Google Drive whenever they are ready? That would be great! If this isn’t possible, and mailing a CD or flash drive is what is required, please let us know and we’ll be happy to provide a mailing address at that time.

Thank you for your assistance!
Sunshine Request”

Can you provide any clarification? This is our last attempt to follow up on this request before I will go ahead and mark as denied.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
February 28, 2022 4:41 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Feb 28, 2022, 4:41 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

I’m following up on my response that I sent to you on January 27th, 2022 at 5:07 PM.

Please let me know if you can provide any clarification. I’ll make one more attempt to follow up around mid-March if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
January 27, 2022 5:07 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Jan 27, 2022, 5:07 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Hi Stacia,

Thank you for your reply.

Your response today indicates that the responsive records are ready to be “inspected / picked up” in person? Is the format of these files hard copy (paper) printouts of emails, or, is this a CD or Flash drive?

This request called for:

“… all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding “mask mandates”. The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.
—–

For all requested items above, please provide all .pdfs, files, attachments, videos, hyperlinks, etc. that are indicated within the responsive records. For example: A .pdf that is an attachment within an email, should also be provided as a document along with the responsive emails.

Please include all of those additional documents where applicable, as relates to the requested information above.

If the records are ultimately too large to send via emailed file share, I’d ask that you please create a public Google Drive folder / link or some other file format to transfer the files electronically.”

Ref: https://www.sunshinerequest.com/records_request/september-2021-request-for-buncombe-county-nc-schools-board-of-education-emails-08-01-21-08-12-21-regarding-mask-mandates/

Emails are “electronic communications”. As these are records already in a digital format, it is unclear if / why the files would need to be printed, if that is the case.

Additionally, we do not need physical copies of associated files for this request, nor is it required by law that we must come to your office in person to pick up records, if you are suggesting that’s the only way they can be provided.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could send a digital copy of the requested records – Under NC Public Records Law you should be able to provide these in a digital format such as Google Drive, Dropbox, email, pdf, CD / flash drive (if necessary), etc.

Is it possible that the files could be uploaded to something like a public Dropbox or Google Drive whenever they are ready? That would be great! If this isn’t possible, and mailing a CD or flash drive is what is required, please let us know and we’ll be happy to provide a mailing address at that time.

Thank you for your assistance!
Sunshine Request

Status: Clarification Requested
January 27, 2022 4:44 pm
2 years ago

from: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Jan 27, 2022, 4:44 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Yes- These documents are ready for you to inspect/pick up. They will be at Entrance A at our central office- 175 Bingham Rd.
I’ll put ‘Sunshine Request’ on the envelope-

Thank you!

Best,
Stacia

Stacia Harris
Director of Communications
Buncombe County Schools
Office: (828) 350-2261
Cell: (828) 242-4409

Status: Response Received from Government
January 20, 2022 3:56 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Jan 20, 2022, 3:56 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

I am following up on this request that was sent in on 9/16 last year: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Is there any update to report? I will plan on following up again in February if I don’t hear back before then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
December 9, 2021 4:44 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Dec 9, 2021, 4:44 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

I am following up on this request to see if there is any update to report?

I will plan on following up again in January if I don’t hear back before
then.

Thank you!

Status: Follow up
October 29, 2021 3:33 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Oct 29, 2021, 3:33 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Stacia,

Thank you for confirming receipt. I will plan on following up again in early December.

Have a good weekend!

Status: Government Processing Request
October 13, 2021 2:04 pm
2 years ago

from: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
to: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Oct 13, 2021, 2:04 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Hello-
Yes we are working on this request-
Thank you-
Stacia Harris
Director of Communications
Buncombe County Schools
Office: (828) 350-2261
Cell: (828) 242-4409

Status: Government Processing Request
October 13, 2021 1:05 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: Ann Franklin <[email protected]>
date: Oct 13, 2021, 1:05 PM
subject: Re: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Buncombe County Schools,

I’m following up on this public records request that was sent in on 9/16: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates“

Please confirm that the request has been received on your end, and if / when it will begin being processed. Please provide a timeline or rough estimate as to when the request will be completed, and I will follow up around the time you specify.

In any case, I’ll plan to follow up again in early November if I have not heard back before then.

Thank you for your assistance!

Status: Follow up
September 16, 2021 3:37 pm
2 years ago

from: Sunshine Request <[email protected]>
to: Stacia Harris <[email protected]>
cc: [email protected]
date: Sep 16, 2021, 3:37 PM
subject: Records Request: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Good afternoon Buncombe County, NC Schools,

I’d like to make a public records request for information that may be available in your office.

We acknowledge this must be a very busy and ever-evolving time for both educators and school systems during COVID 19, but if you could please confirm receipt to let me know the request will begin processing, and if possible, please provide a rough estimate of when the request may be completed. I will plan on following up again around the end of the month if I have not heard back before then.

Here are the details of the request:

Subject: (September 2021) Request for Buncombe County, NC Schools Board of Education emails 08/01/21 – 08/12/21 regarding “mask mandates”

Message: “Hello Buncombe County, NC Schools (Records Officer) [and Board of Education Chair CCed],

I’d like to make a public records request for the following information under NC Public Records Law:

Please provide all emails Sent to, Sent from, and Sent between, any and all members of the Board of Education, and the Public, regarding “mask mandates”. The responsive records requested should include the specific time period of 08/01/21 through 08/12/21.
—–

For all requested items above, please provide all .pdfs, files, attachments, videos, hyperlinks, etc. that are indicated within the responsive records. For example: A .pdf that is an attachment within an email, should also be provided as a document along with the responsive emails.

Please include all of those additional documents where applicable, as relates to the requested information above.

If the records are ultimately too large to send via emailed file share, I’d ask that you please create a public Google Drive folder / link or some other file format to transfer the files electronically.

Thank you for your assistance!”

Thank you!

** Sunshine Request (www.sunshinerequest.com) makes no claim as to the veracity of any statements or information contained in any of the requests, or public records, we receive.

Status: Sent to Government
September 14, 2021 1:33 pm
2 years ago

Submitted to Sunshine Request

Status: Pending