Kansas Sunshine Laws

Leavenworth USD 453 is committed to conducting the public's business in an open and transparent manner. Kansas' Sunshine Laws promote government accountability through two primary statutes:

• Kansas Open Records Act (KORA): Provides the public with access to most records maintained by public agencies.

• Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA): Requires that meetings where public business is discussed or conducted are generally open to the public.

By complying with both KORA and KOMA, Leavenworth USD 453 is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and public trust while protecting information that is confidential under state and federal law.

Access to Public Records

This page explains the district's process for responding to requests made under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.

The Kansas Open Records Act recognizes that public records belong to the public. Leavenworth USD 453 is committed to providing timely access to public records in accordance with state law while safeguarding information that is confidential or exempt from disclosure under state and federal law.

If you are looking for information about Board of Education meetings, agendas, or meeting notices, please visit the district's Board of Education webpage. For information related to the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA), please visit the Attorney General of Kansas’ website.

What Is a Public Record?

A public record is any recorded information made, maintained, or kept by Leavenworth USD 453 in the course of conducting district business. Public records may include paper documents, emails, electronic files, reports, contracts, meeting minutes, and other records maintained by the district.

Please note that KORA applies to existing records only. The district is not required to:

• Answer questions or provide explanations
• Conduct research
• Create new documents or reports
• Compile information in a new format that does not already exist

How to Submit a Records Request

Requests may be submitted by completing the KORA Request Form, found below, that will be submitted to the Official Custodian of Records.

Please be sure to include:

• Your name and contact information
• A clear description of the records you are requesting
• Relevant dates, departments, or other details that will help us identify the records
• Your preferred method of receiving the records (electronic copies or printed paper copies)

Official Custodian of Records: Jackie Williams, Chief Communications Officer

Email: jackie.williams@lvpioneers.org

Phone: 913-684-1400

What Happens After You Submit a Request?

After receiving your request, the district will:

1. Review the request to determine what records are being requested.
2. Locate responsive records.
3. Review records for information that is confidential or exempt from disclosure under state or federal law.
4. Redact protected information when required.
5. Provide the records, request clarification, explain any necessary delay, or deny the request if permitted by law.

Response Time

Kansas law requires public agencies to respond to a records request as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the third business day after the request is received.

A response does not always mean the records will be produced within three business days. If additional time is needed because of the size or complexity of the request, the need to review records for confidential information, or other legitimate reasons, the district will explain the reason for the delay and provide an estimated timeline for completion.

Fees

The Kansas Open Records Act allows public agencies to recover the actual costs associated with responding to records requests.

Applicable fees include:

• Staff time spent locating and reviewing records
• Copying or printing costs
• Electronic media or storage devices
• Postage or mailing costs

The district will provide an estimate before work begins and requires payment in advance, consistent with district policy

Records That May Be Withheld

While most district records are open for public inspection, certain records are confidential or exempt from disclosure under Kansas or federal law.

Examples include:

• Student education records protected by FERPA
• Medical information
• Certain personnel records
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Security and emergency preparedness information
• Records made confidential by state or federal law

When only part of a record is confidential, the district will redact the protected information whenever practical and release the remainder.

Tips for Submitting a Request

To help us process your request as efficiently as possible:

• Be as specific as you can.
• Include approximate dates or date ranges.
• Identify departments, schools, or programs if known.
• Limit requests to records that already exist.
• Provide current contact information in case clarification is needed.

Questions?

If you have questions about submitting a Kansas Open Records Act request, please contact the district's Official Custodian of Records, Jackie Williams, Chief Communications Officer, at jackie.williams@lvpioneers.org. 

Leavenworth USD 453 is committed to providing timely access to public records while protecting confidential information as required by law.