Public Records
The Open Public Records Act requires records maintained by state, county, and city governments be made available to the public. SBCTC is a state agency subject to the Washington State Public Disclosure Act (RCW 42.56).
The Public Records Act Chapter, 44-14 WAC provides model rules to assist agencies responding to disclosure requests.
Review the Public Records Index for a menu of accessible public records at Centralia College.
Request a Public Record
Requests for public records to Centralia College may be made in writing, by email or verbally to the College’s Public Records Officer. As a state agency, the college is subject to the provisions of the Washington state public disclosure laws (RCW 42.56) governing access to public records and will respond accordingly. There may be exemptions to disclosure that may prohibit the college from releasing certain documents. The College will provide a brief explanation for any exemption to disclosure. All written and electronically-processed records prepared by Centralia College shall be available for public inspection with limited exceptions, i.e., student information/records, personnel records, etc.
How to Submit a Public Records Request
Requests for public records can be submitted in any of the following ways:
- Download a Public Records Request Form (pdf)
- Email the completed form to prr@centralia.edu
- Mail or deliver the completed form: Public Records Officer / Human Resources, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia, WA 98531
To help us respond efficiently, please include:
- A clear description of the records you are seeking
- Your contact information (name, phone number, email or mailing address)
- Preferred method of delivery (email, mail, in-person pickup)
What to Expect
Once your reqeust is received, the Public Records Officer will acknowledge your request within 5 business days and will either:
- Provide the records,
- Request clarification,
- Provide an estimated timeline, or
- Deny the request with an explanation if the records are exempt from disclosure.
We may provide records in installments or notify you when records are available for review.
Fees
There may be costs associated with fulfilling requests, especially if printed copies or extensive preparation is required. We follow state-approved fee schedules. Fee estimates will be provided in advance, and payment may be required before records are released.
Centralia College and its employees are required to maintain all documents and records pertaining to its conduct and performance.
Public records can be written documents, recordings, photos, electronic disks, magnetic tape or email correspondence. All records maintained by Centralia College are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Public records are accessible under reasonable conditions. You do not have to explain why you want to access a public record, but we may ask you clarifying questions to process your request.
Centralia College is not required to create records. If a record does not exist, then we cannot fulfill your request for public information.
Review the Public Records Index for a menu of accessible public records at Centralia College.
Washington state law specifically exempts some records from public disclosure. Exemptions are designed to protect the privacy of individuals, protect law enforcement or other investigative agencies processes or the legitimate business interests of citizens.
In some cases, we may redact portions of a public record exempt from disclosure. It is our obligation to tell you why a record is exempt.
If you want to review or get copies of the non-public information listed above, it will be necessary for the college to request an Attorney General's opinion about this information. The Attorney General's office has up to 12 weeks to make a decision on whether the information is public or not public.
The Public Records Officer will acknowledge your request within 5 business days and will either:
- Provide the records,
- Request clarification,
- Provide an estimated timeline, or
- Deny the request with an explanation if the records are exempt from disclosure.
We may provide records in installments or notify you when records are available for review.
Once a public records request is received, it becomes a public record of Centralia College. When records are gathered to fulfill a request, the records may contain the names of employees, students or third parties. Centralia College may notify individuals regarding disclosure of records that contain their name or other identifiers. Such notices typically include the name of the requestor and/or a copy of the request form.
Contact
Public Records Officer
Centralia College
Hanson Administration Building
600 Centralia College Blvd.
Centralia, WA 98531
360-623-8943
hro@centralia.edu
Office Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-12pm Friday (closed Fridays in the summer)