FOIL Request for Information on COVID-19 Tests and Masks Distribution to Schools (First Supervisory District Of Erie County And Boces (erie 1))

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:

1. All communications between the Governor's Office and/or the State Education Department and/or Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) regarding the distribution of COVID-19 rapid test kits and N-95 and KN-95 masks to schools, dated from January 1, 2023, to the present.

2. Records of all requests submitted by school districts and BOCES for COVID-19 rapid test kits and N-95 and KN-95 masks, dated from January 1, 2023, to the present.

3. Inventory records detailing the quantities of COVID-19 rapid test kits and N-95 and KN-95 masks that have been delivered to each BOCES for distribution to school districts, dated from January 1, 2023, to the present.

4. Any and all guidelines, memos, or advisories issued by the Governor's Office or the New York State Department of Health (DOH) regarding the distribution of COVID-19 rapid test kits and masks to schools, dated from January 1, 2023, to the present.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jackson Parker

I am writing to appeal the response to my FOIL request dated 9/15/2023, concerning the distribution of COVID-19 tests and masks to schools in the First Supervisory District of Erie County and BOCES (Erie 1).

My request, as per the advisory opinions of the New York State Committee on Open Government, was reasonably described to facilitate identification and location of documents within your agency. It sought detailed communications, inventory records, requests from school districts, and guidelines related to the distribution of COVID-19 rapid test kits and N-95/KN-95 masks.

The response received, primarily focused on general processes and procedures, does not address the specifics of my request. Notably missing are:

Detailed inventory records including quantities distributed to each BOCES.
Specific requests from school districts.
Complete internal communications within BOCES.
No exemptions under FOIL were claimed in your response that justify withholding these documents. The advice to contact other entities is noted but does not absolve Erie 1 BOCES of its obligation to provide a comprehensive response to its records as required by FOIL.

I respectfully request a re-evaluation of my FOIL request, ensuring that all responsive documents, as outlined in my initial request, are provided. If any documents are withheld under FOIL exemptions, please provide a detailed justification for each type of document.

Thank you for your attention to this appeal. I anticipate a complete response in alignment with the requirements of FOIL.