Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests
Accessing Public Records through FOIA
Rock Hill Schools is committed to transparency and compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. The Communications Office is the initial point of contact for FOIA requests, including those from the media, parents, community members, and other stakeholders.
The FOIA provides the public with access to a public agency’s existing records that are not subject to an exemption under the law.
Section 30-4-20(c) of the FOIA defines a “public record” as “all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body.”
Certain categories of documents such as personnel records; student records; tests and examinations used to evaluate student or employee performance; records relating to the security of students, staff, or property; records protected from disclosure under attorney-client privilege; and executive session materials are exempt from disclosure under Section 30-4-40.
Please note that South Carolina law (FOIA Section 30-4-50) prohibits the obtaining or use of public records for commercial solicitation.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
All FOIA requests must be submitted in writing through our online form:
Submit a FOIA Request:
If you cannot submit your request online, you can mail it to the Public Information Officer, Rock Hill Schools, 386 E Black Street, Rock Hill, SC, 29715.
FOIA Request Response Timelines
Initial Response: Within 10 business days of receiving a written request, we will notify the requester whether the requested public records are available and provide a time and cost estimate.
Records Production: Once the availability notice is issued, records will be produced within 30 calendar days.
Older Records: For records that are more than 24 months old, the district has 20 business days (excluding weekends and legal public holidays) to determine if the information requested is publicly available and 35 calendar days after notifying the request or of its determination or, after a requested deposit has been paid, actually to produce the records.
Please Note: FOIA is intended for access to existing public records. The law does not require the district to generate or create records that do not exist.
Fee Schedule
Section 30-4-30 (B) of the FOIA law allows the district to charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, or redaction of records. The fees must represent the lowest possible cost and cannot exceed the actual cost of producing the requested records. If it is determined by the district that the information requested is primarily benefiting the general public, the district may reduce or waive the fee.
A deposit not to exceed 25 percent of the total reasonably anticipated costs for production of the records will be required prior to searching for or making copies of records. This includes, but is not limited to, charges for staff time and the cost of searching, retrieving, redacting and copying records. Any applicable fees must be paid prior to receipt of the requested records.
The requester has the right to receive an electronic transmission of the public record, if those records are in an electronic format. If records are not in electronic format and the district agrees to produce them in electronic format, the district may charge for the staff time required to transfer the documents to electronic format. Fees may be charged for search time, but no copy charges will apply to records transmitted in an electronic format.
Once the district receives a written FOIA request, the district will provide the requester with an estimate of the costs. The requester must send a deposit of 25 percent of the estimated cost before the district will begin the process of producing the records requested. The remaining balance of the cost must be paid at the time of production of the records.
Copying Costs
Standard-sized documents: $0.16 per page
Non-standard documents (e.g., architectural plans, plats): Fees will be based on actual cost at the time of copying.
Search, Retrieval, and Redaction
Hourly fee shall be based on the lowest hourly rate of the person qualified to research the requested records. Requests requiring specialized or technical staff may incur higher rates due to the necessary skill level.
Electronic Records
No copying fee for records provided in an electronic format already maintained electronically.
If conversion is required to produce the documents electronically, employee time for that work will be billed.
Deposit Requirement
A 25% deposit of the total anticipated cost is required before work begins.
The remaining balance is due prior to the release of records. This will include but is not limited to staff time researching, retrieving, redacting and copying records.
Fee Waivers
In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(C), Rock Hill Schools may waive or reduce fees if the request is determined to primarily benefit the general public. This determination will be made solely by the district.
We do not guarantee that records responsive to your request exist or that any will be produced.
Exemptions from Disclosure
Section 30-4-40 addresses categories of matters that are exempt from disclosure. Certain records are exempt from public release, including but not limited to:
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Personally identifiable student or staff information (protected by FERPA and other laws)
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Attorney-client privileged communications
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Trade secrets or proprietary information
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Confidential or protected data
For a list of FOIA exemptions, see S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40.
Use of public records for commercial solicitation is strictly prohibited by law (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-2-50). Violators may be subject to penalties.