Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Act

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

In accordance with the State of Illinois Freedom of Information Act and Pontiac CCSD #429 Board of Education Policy 2:250, the district's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer will respond to requests from anyone desiring to inspect and/or copy a district public record. Requests will be approved, unless the requested material is (a) not a "public record" as defined by Policy 2:250; (b) exempt from inspection and copying by the Freedom of Information Act or any other state or federal law; or (c) not required to be preserved or cataloged. Also, FOIA requests can be denied if complying would be unduly burdensome.

What is FOIA?
FOIA is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et. Seq.), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request.  

Definition of a Public Record
The District’s public records are defined as records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form of characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of, or under control of the School District.

Freedom of Information Officers
Ms. Negray and Ms. Kelly serve as the district’s Freedom of Information Officers. The District office is located at 600 N. Morrow St., Pontiac, IL 61764.

Freedom of Information Act Request Procedure
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act provides that a person may request that public records be made available for inspection and copying to the District’s Freedom of Information Officers. All requests for information and copying shall immediately be forwarded to the District’s Freedom of Information Officers or designee.

FOIA Requests
The Pontiac CCSD #429 Board of Education and administration believes in transparency and posts a wide range of public documents on its website at www.pontiac429.org, including current and past meeting agendas and minutes, employee contracts and salary information, the current fiscal year budget and the annual statement of affairs.

If any information needed is not readily available online, please submit a FOIA request to the district's FOIA officer, at P429-FOIA_Officer@pontiac429.org. Please provide a specific description of the records requested. If you have any questions about filing a FOIA request, please call (815) 842-1533.

Pontiac CCSD #429 Board of Education fully complies with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. All information related to our meetings is posted on this website for full public access. If you have any questions about Board of Education meetings or the Illinois Open Meetings Act, please contact Superintendent Mike Weaver at 815-842-1533.