Public commenter warns district policy may misstate confidentiality of personnel records
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Summary
A retired teacher told the committee that district policy and a recent auditor report inaccurately describe personnel records as categorically confidential and urged a policy review to align with state public‑records law.
A public commenter raised concerns at the July 10 meeting about how the district describes confidentiality of personnel records in its policies and reports.
Lee Barrios, identified in the record as a retired teacher, said auditor reports and district remarks incorrectly stated that “any employee records are confidential.” Barrios referenced a statute mentioned in district materials as “RS 44 11” and said the statute lists specific types of records that are confidential, rather than declaring personnel folders entirely confidential. Barrios said the district’s policy (identified in the meeting as CG) lists personnel folders among confidential documents and warned that treating whole personnel files as off‑limits could lead to erroneous denials of public‑records requests.
Barrios asked to meet with district staff and counsel (named individuals were suggested in the public comment) to review policy language and ensure the district’s public‑records practice matches state law. The committee did not take action during the meeting; staff received the comment and the speaker asked for follow‑up.