FOIL Request for Records Related to Communications with American Academy of Pediatrics and Council on School Health (Schenectady City School District)
It is a clone of this request.
| Multi Request | FOIL Request for Records Related to Communications with American Academy of Pediatrics and Council on School Health |
| Submitted | March 6, 2023 |
| Est. Completion | None |
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Communications
From: Jackson Parker
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:
I am seeking all records related to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Council on School Health (COSH), including any communications or correspondence between the school district and these organizations, or any other party that may have provided information to the district from these organizations.
To help identify responsive records, you can limit your time period to 1/1/2017 until the date of final response; also I request that you search for the following terms, which are focused on the American Academy of Pediatrics and its affiliated organizations:
"American Academy of Pediatrics"
"AAP"
"Council on School Health"
"COSH"
"pediatric"
"child health"
"school health"
Please include records of any type, including but not limited to emails, letters, memoranda, reports, meeting minutes, presentations, and any other records of communication or correspondence between the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Council on School Health, and the school district or any other party that may have provided information to the district from these organizations.
If no records are responsive to this request, please provide a certification of that fact pursuant to Public Officers Law §89(3), and inform me of the district's obligations under LGS-01 to retain records until any appeal has been resolved.
If any records are withheld, please provide an explanation of the legal basis for the withholding.
If my request is denied in whole or in part, please provide a written explanation of the reasons for the denial.
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
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 7, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 7, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 7, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following New York Freedom of Information Law request, copied below, and originally submitted on March 7, 2023. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Jackson Parker
Dear Records Access Officer,
I am writing to appeal the Schenectady City School District's non-response to my Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, initially submitted on March 7, 2023. The request sought records related to communications with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Council on School Health (COSH). As of the time of this appeal, I have not received any response, acknowledgment, or indication that the district is processing the request.
According to New York Public Officers Law §89(4)(a), I should have received a response within five business days from the date of submission, with either an approval, denial, or an indication of the approximate date when the request will be fulfilled. I have sent several follow-up emails on March 22, April 6, April 21, and May 8, 2023, respectively, but have not received any response from the district.
I believe that the information requested is within the scope of the Freedom of Information Law, and the lack of response from the district is a violation of the law. I am entitled to a timely response and, if necessary, a written explanation for any denial of my request.
I hereby appeal the non-response and ask that the Schenectady City School District either:
1. Provide the requested records without further delay, or
2. Provide a detailed explanation for the denial, if any, citing the specific exemption(s) under the Freedom of Information Law.
From:
##- Please type your reply above this line -##
SC
Schenectady City School District
May 10, 12:06pm
Mr. Parker,
Please see the attached response to your request.
Thank you,
Stacey Tasselmyer
Secretary, Business and Finance
Schenectady City Schools
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
JP
Jackson Parker (requests@muckrock.com)
Mar 7, 11:53am
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:
I am seeking all records related to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Council on School Health (COSH), including any communications or correspondence between the school district and these organizations, or any other party that may have provided information to the district from these organizations.
To help identify responsive records, you can limit your time period to 1/1/2017 until the date of final response; also I request that you search for the following terms, which are focused on the American Academy of Pediatrics and its affiliated organizations:
"American Academy of Pediatrics"
"AAP"
"Council on School Health"
"COSH"
"pediatric"
"child health"
"school health"
Please include records of any type, including but not limited to emails, letters, memoranda, reports, meeting minutes, presentations, and any other records of communication or correspondence between the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Council on School Health, and the school district or any other party that may have provided information to the district from these organizations.
If no records are responsive to this request, please provide a certification of that fact pursuant to Public Officers Law §89(3), and inform me of the district's obligations under LGS-01 to retain records until any appeal has been resolved.
If any records are withheld, please provide an explanation of the legal basis for the withholding.
If my request is denied in whole or in part, please provide a written explanation of the reasons for the denial.
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
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From: Jackson Parker
Greetings and good day to you, my esteemed correspondent. I trust this missive finds you in the best of health and spirits. I find myself compelled to pen this letter in response to the recent FOIL appeal and the subsequent statement that no records are extant concerning the guidance pertaining to the reopening of schools.
Upon perusing the information provided with the utmost care, it has come to my attention that the illustrious school district has, indeed, proclaimed that they have deferred to the guidance proffered by the esteemed American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in their reopening plans.
To wit, in the district newsletter dated Week Ending August 13, 2021, Volume 1 Issue No. 5, which can be found at https://cdnsm5-ss12.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_412252/Image/Anibal%20Soler/Newsletters/200%20FINALAUGUST%2020%202021.%20V.1%20ISSUE%205.pdf, the following words were inscribed: “Our district will follow the guidance provided by the health experts, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Schenectady County Public Health (SCPH) as well as New York State Education Department (NYSED).”
Again, in the district newsletter dated Week Ending August 13, 2021, Volume 1 issue No. 4, which can be found at https://cdnsm5-ss12.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_412252/Image/Anibal%20Soler/Newsletters/AUGUST%2013%202021.%20V.1%20ISSUE%204.pdf, the following words were inscribed: “NYSED’s guide is based on the CDC Guidance and the American Academy of Pediatrics and includes the same recommendations for masking.” Which suggests that the district was in possession of documents, data, statistics or other materials if not directly provided by AAP were provided, reviewed, and diligently considered by the board and district officials before drastic action was taken.
Furthermore, a chronicle published in the electronic gazette "The Daily Gazette" on August 27, 2021, accessible via the link https://dailygazette.com/2021/08/27/schenectady-city-school-district-hopes-to-have-reopening-plan-by-sept-1/, contained the subsequent statement made by Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr.: "The superintendent said the district was following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and state."
Additionally, an Aug, 18 2021 presentation from the district on re-opening, accessible via the link https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1876803/2021-2022_Reopening___Organizational_Structure__Aug._18_2021_.pdf, contained on page 7 the statement that “Schenectady City School District will continue to follow the guidance provided by … The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)..”
Moreover, in this Aug, 18, 2021 presentation, on page 7 the statement “While the NYS DOH has indicated that school districts will receive no formal guidance, Schenectady City School District will: … Ensure that our procedures, protocols, and processes are in alignment with the science and data as dictated by local conditions.” This assertion implies that the district took the ownership, responsibility, and authority to review materials from AAP and make specific and material decisions on its own based on the information provided by AAP and others.
These declarations imply the existence of correspondence or documents which make reference to the guidance of the AAP, and as such, ought to be deemed responsive to the original FOIL request.
In light of the aforementioned information, I beseech you, dear sir or madam, to reassess the response to the FOIL appeal, bearing in mind the reference to the AAP's guidance in the school district's communications and the news article provided. It would be a matter of great appreciation if you would kindly furnish any relevant documents or information that pertain to the guidance of the AAP and its bearing on the school district's reopening plans.
I express my gratitude for your attention to this matter, and I eagerly anticipate your prompt response.
From: Schenectady City School District
##- Please type your reply above this line -##
SC
Schenectady City School District
May 15, 3:08pm
Mr. Parker,
Please see the attached response from your most recent follow-up.
Thank you,
Stacey Tasselmyer
Secretary, Business and Finance
Schenectady City Schools
JP
Jackson Parker
May 11, 8:08am
Schenectady City School District
FOIL Office
108 Education Drive
Schenectady, NY 12303
May 11, 2023
This is a follow up to a previous request:
Greetings and good day to you, my esteemed correspondent. I trust this missive finds you in the best of health and spirits. I find myself compelled to pen this letter in response to the recent FOIL appeal and the subsequent statement that no records are extant concerning the guidance pertaining to the reopening of schools.
Upon perusing the information provided with the utmost care, it has come to my attention that the illustrious school district has, indeed, proclaimed that they have deferred to the guidance proffered by the esteemed American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in their reopening plans.
To wit, in the district newsletter dated Week Ending August 13, 2021, Volume 1 Issue No. 5, which can be found at https://email.requests.muckrock.com/c/eJxEjzFPwzAQhX-Ns9U6n-PYHTJECKNKqEsIK0qcK6nqJMXngvrvEQGJ6ftO997wxtqYqqBaVU47qNxeF1NtLFgXSqsHYy2MlQp7iwhVidbawZ2Kc42AGoxSCsGBk9WgtXGDrsCSGgcnSkj0cSPOLOdbuKQ1XGRY5yLWU85XFroR6AX6MC48mx2zQslTn64cpnWNP1mBvmNKhyJBfqW0ielf3srFaJBgf4w9-8k0DfLeeijQIPQrpGSQH-kL46U828RAbavPxyb56Z76tqX7Ub4Ayq52atUGw9t2z1uZuR1PAl8KFLNYaKFQu7Hu1zuooSLwl2kzLvcx23ldwAAAPmstjEg the following words were inscribed: “Our district will follow the guidance provided by the health experts, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Schenectady County Public Health (SCPH) as well as New York State Education Department (NYSED).”
Again, in the district newsletter dated Week Ending August 13, 2021, Volume 1 issue No. 4, which can be found at https://email.requests.muckrock.com/c/eJxEjz1P8zAURn-Ns9W6vo79ukOG6hVGXVhCWJHjXEhV5wNfF9RjzAD0znDeYZn6oyxDXXKOu3AuqNu5q4Fa8Y4OYcEsXXgwBAFTdZGFY4wNpcOATUYpRSCAyftqLVxo7bwj9Q0OtFCpo8bcWG53OI1bEq47Y0qZtL2Vnok0Av0Mdp5cUcmBVKnkPeOc7bln5agX5gyv6SiAX6nvIn5T97bRWiQYH-vIR3EuhP62UMSaBB6LdEWaBoi9OVMrv8DQ8Dv1zDZSuQEAlq71IVXnu--GhWiv36U3gyZ3HGdaKZYw3eV6Fy1cFR4SFT6UkOqx7wAAAPDw9hLw the following words were inscribed: “NYSED’s guide is based on the CDC Guidance and the American Academy of Pediatrics and includes the same recommendations for masking.” Which suggests that the district was in possession of documents, data, statistics or other materials if not directly provided by AAP were provided, reviewed, and diligently considered by the board and district officials before drastic action was taken.
Furthermore, a chronicle published in the electronic gazette "The Daily Gazette" on August 27, 2021, accessible via the link https://email.requests.muckrock.com/c/eJxMjrGOqzAQRbGdIPGY3CcguLpSfyHGU-CFQezeLIS-WrpNruFlfnnDSNo-9ksj64gD5cXbdOmJjSdRw8Dsw83pwMMty8Xa4hcbz5Lk-E5HC01hIGDL1fnBvD4jxexKYlmAEP-XpJ09YXw4Kj96rs-uTKvq3oz7Z2g2NKeYy3mPP6Iq74OhmZCsoRnDe18MzY1X2YQ1phM46wmN11oLpNz0yKyw1l0aaIU1fgscUnfZ8naHvcQNlhOa7Ar2IzfHdMfXr-dZsCHJSiiDTSWT-ZvAAAANJ1es contained the subsequent statement made by Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr.: "The superintendent said the district was following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and state."
Additionally, an Aug, 18 2021 presentation from the district on re-opening, accessible via the link https://email.requests.muckrock.com/c/eJwcz8tuhCAUgOGnwZ0EDl6OCxeTJmybtA9AEI4zRgXLJc3M0zfTf8vPj3dDQLAdUKAacVPOYBU0jrqOSalqWfunWCanzoqMelZWra7YZBCjRSylBoEA-LEr1uKhBjCT9gqwTiX4q5ZL5Wd2eotu5i2dzzI9SrszUjYFmoF1M1ProMs-K29O-YrC-Z0y0D66elIomYG2OVNhoOt1ROvJm3U7iIGWOA4oFAMNAmQLAsB8UbwobOFujPlMdxu2ly1bDPYw3yVVV2oiY271zo1E84MvzK4KNJc3YPCuSK9U8enqwTu4T2oJLbYo9xF8AAADz-wYRQ contained on page 7 the statement that “Schenectady City School District will continue to follow the guidance provided by … The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)..”
Moreover, in this Aug, 18, 2021 presentation, on page 7 the statement “While the NYS DOH has indicated that school districts will receive no formal guidance, Schenectady City School District will: … Ensure that our procedures, protocols, and processes are in alignment with the science and data as dictated by local conditions.” This assertion implies that the district took the ownership, responsibility, and authority to review materials from AAP and make specific and material decisions on its own based on the information provided by AAP and others.
These declarations imply the existence of correspondence or documents which make reference to the guidance of the AAP, and as such, ought to be deemed responsive to the original FOIL request.
In light of the aforementioned information, I beseech you, dear sir or madam, to reassess the response to the FOIL appeal, bearing in mind the reference to the AAP's guidance in the school district's communications and the news article provided. It would be a matter of great appreciation if you would kindly furnish any relevant documents or information that pertain to the guidance of the AAP and its bearing on the school district's reopening plans.
I express my gratitude for your attention to this matter, and I eagerly anticipate your prompt response.
View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://email.requests.muckrock.com/c/eJyEkU-P2jwQhz9NuA3yn9iEQw7ozZutuoWWXaqtekHGnmxcHBsSp2z66asAXSFUqSePR795GhsciHkBHMqM54Rmc35pM7nc2JmepfyVAohKEpiMinms11VSUKqbGJzRhgnglLKSEayqdxxLrIdl2SG1OyyJCUtHnvsYjdter1vg95PdWgmLq9jPHQJXySsTFiptA69v0vd9BNWuvBqZjmpce3mPDigmBihIgRI1h5Op3uGOKWIt45l4EriwlejK277Hh9Ra-H7fuQYGWnaSoozIDaBsH6HQdggNju9haHYFTItk1XAXr4LoDqEILLerQmg5adCqigRhAh6bpvdUq2uA7ONlYg2qwtVp5UFoZbAYIFRzQWDU-0YHyBkZPbR0E8egRuViDf8UpCljGbkang9eYqOsu9TFDWDqh0tOpGRPGTiMHUTlrsuVfeu2qo1NoY9-oQXi8XB7W6rHt-PL8cOjK1bL583Tfz8xnL-KHt6E0OfSPb-c0qpa9-xxFcviy-dPv9YPtU-fVntHl0ux-bjpv2ldnj4OmnzO6m6PwOAAD9ON5yo
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---
On May 10, 2023:
Subject: Re: FOIL Request for Records Related to Communications with American Academy of Pediatrics and Council o
SC
Schenectady City School District
May 10, 12:06pm
Mr. Parker,
Please see the attached response to your request.
Thank you,
Stacey Tasselmyer
Secretary, Business and Finance
Schenectady City Schools
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
JP
Jackson Parker (requests@muckrock.com)
Mar 7, 11:53am
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:
I am seeking all records related to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Council on School Health (COSH), including any communications or correspondence between the school district and these organizations, or any other party that may have provided information to the district from these organizations.
To help identify responsive records, you can limit your time period to 1/1/2017 until the date of final response; also I request that you search for the following terms, which are focused on the American Academy of Pediatrics and its affiliated organizations:
"American Academy of Pediatrics"
"AAP"
"Council on School Health"
"COSH"
"pediatric"
"child health"
"school health"
Please include records of any type, including but not limited to emails, letters, memoranda, reports, meeting minutes, presentations, and any other records of communication or correspondence between the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Council on School Health, and the school district or any other party that may have provided information to the district from these organizations.
If no records are responsive to this request, please provide a certification of that fact pursuant to Public Officers Law §89(3), and inform me of the district's obligations under LGS-01 to retain records until any appeal has been resolved.
If any records are withheld, please provide an explanation of the legal basis for the withholding.
If my request is denied in whole or in part, please provide a written explanation of the reasons for the denial.
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
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Please select your race
Prefer Not to Say
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