FOIL Application
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
What is FOIL?
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) is a New York State law that gives the public the right to access records maintained by government agencies, including school districts. FOIL is designed to encourage transparency and build trust between the District and our community.
Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD complies with FOIL by providing access to existing records in line with New York State Public Officers Law Sections 87 and 89, and the guidelines set by the State Committee on Open Government. Whenever possible, records will be shared electronically for your convenience.
Please note: The District is only required to provide records that already exist in our files. We are not able to create new documents or answer general questions through FOIL. Many records—such as Board of Education agendas, minutes, and District policies—are already available on our website.
Why FOIL Matters
FOIL helps parents, community members, and other stakeholders access public records about District operations and decision-making. This openness strengthens community involvement and supports the partnership between our schools and residents.
How to Make a FOIL Request
To submit a FOIL request:
✅ Complete this Form: Foil Request Form
✅ Be Specific – Clearly describe the records you are requesting. The more details you provide, the easier it will be to locate them.
✅ Submit Your Request – Submit your FOIL request by:
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Email: delabarreram@hohschools.org
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Mail:
Melissa DeLaBarrera, District Clerk
Hastings-on-Hudson UFSD
27 Farragut Avenue
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
✅ Include the Following in Your Request:
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Your full name
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Contact information (email and/or phone number)
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A clear description of the records you are seeking
Response Time
You will receive an initial response within five business days of your request. If additional time is needed to gather the records, you’ll be notified with an updated timeline.
Records You Can Request
Public records available under FOIL include (but are not limited to):
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Board of Education meeting minutes
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District policies and procedures
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Budget documents and financial reports
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Curriculum information and program descriptions
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Certain employee or administrative records (as allowed by law)
What Cannot Be Released
Some records are exempt from disclosure under FOIL, such as:
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Student records protected by FERPA
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Personal information that could compromise privacy or safety
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Records protected by attorney-client privilege or other legal exemptions
Fees for Copies
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Standard photocopies: 25 cents per page
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Larger or specialized requests: Fees may reflect actual reproduction costs
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Whenever possible, records will be provided electronically at no charge
If Your Request is Denied
If your FOIL request is denied, you may appeal within 30 days by sending a written appeal to:
FOIL Appeals Officer
William S. McKersie, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools
27 Farragut Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
mckersiew@hohschools.org
Questions?
For help submitting a FOIL request or to learn more, contact:
Melissa DeLaBarrera
District Clerk & Records Access Officer
📞 (914) 478-6402
📧 delabarreram@hohschools.org
Additional Resources
Learn more about FOIL at the New York State Committee on Open Government.