How to Request Public Records
Contracts, evaluations, survey results, screen-time reports — much of what this site asks about already exists on paper inside the district. Under Minnesota law, you have the right to see it. Here's how, step by step.
Know your rights first
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. ch. 13) applies to every Minnesota school district, including SPPS. The essentials:
- Government data is presumed public unless a specific law says otherwise (§ 13.03).
- You don't have to say why you want it, and the district cannot require you to identify yourself to request public data.
- Inspecting records is free. The district may charge for copies — asking for electronic copies usually avoids or minimizes fees.
- Responses must come within a reasonable time. If the district denies any part of your request, it must cite the specific law that makes the data not public.
The process, step by step
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Decide exactly what you're asking for
Specific requests get faster, better answers. Name the type of document ("contracts," "evaluation reports," "survey results"), the subject, and a date range. Avoid "any and all records about technology" — it invites delay. The template below handles this for you.
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Generate your request letter
Use the builder below. It produces a complete, polite, legally grounded request you can copy into an email.
Source: the letter cites Minn. Stat. ch. 13 and § 13.03
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Submit it to SPPS in writing
SPPS takes requests through its Public Data Requests page, which is run under Board Policy 304.00 and its "Access to Public Data" procedure (304.00.03). Submit through that page or by email, and keep a dated copy of exactly what you sent.
Source: SPPS Public Data Requests · SPPS Board Policy 304.00 & procedure 304.00.03
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Track the response
Expect a confirmation of receipt and a tentative timeline. If you've heard nothing in two weeks, send a brief, polite follow-up replying to your original message so the paper trail stays in one thread.
Source: response-time standards in Minn. Stat. § 13.03, subd. 2–3 and MN Data Practices Office guidance
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Inspect before you pay
If the district quotes copy fees, remember you may inspect the records at no charge first, and electronic copies of electronic records should cost little or nothing.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 13.03, subd. 3 (free inspection; copy fee rules)
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If you're denied or ignored
A denial must cite the specific statute. If you believe it's wrong — or you simply get silence — you can ask the Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office for help, including a formal advisory opinion (§ 13.072). It's free, and districts take these opinions seriously.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 13.072 (advisory opinions) · MN Data Practices Office
Build your request
Then paste it into the form on the SPPS Public Data Requests page or into an email, and keep a copy.
Not legal advice. This page summarizes the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act in plain language. For authoritative guidance, see the Data Practices Office and Minn. Stat. ch. 13.