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Right to Know Information

Right-to-Know Information

Our Commitment to Transparency

At ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania, our mission is to empower the community through education, leadership development, and advocacy. True empowerment relies on trust, open communication, and shared accountability. In alignment with these core values and the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (Act 3), we are dedicated to fostering an environment of transparency. We believe that providing open access to public records strengthens our partnership with the families, students, and communities we serve.

What Is the Right-to-Know Law?

Enacted on January 1, 2009, the Right to Know Law ensures that the public has a right to access and obtain copies of public records from state and local agencies, including public charter schools. The law operates under a presumption of openness, meaning records are considered public unless they fall into specific exempt categories.
Some records may not be available for public access. Examples of records that may be protected include records involving personal security, public safety, criminal investigations, medical information, student information, certain personnel matters, and other confidential or legally protected information.

Examples of Records That May Be Requested

Examples of records that may be requested under the Right-to-Know Law include:
  • Annual Budgets and certain financial reports
  • Vendor Contracts and official agreements
  • Board-Approved Organizational Policies and operational guidelines
Please note that a Right-to-Know request must ask for records. The law does not require an agency to answer questions, provide legal opinions, create new records, or conduct research.

How to Submit a Right-to-Know Request

Requests should be submitted in writing and should clearly describe the records being requested. Please be as specific as possible so ASPIRA can identify and review the records.
Requests may be submitted using the ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Request Form.

Download the Right-to-Know Request Form:
DOWNLOAD R-T-K FORM HERE

Requests may be submitted to:
Director of Development & Strategic Partnership: Waleska Matos 
Address: ASPIRA, Inc. of PA  4322 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-455-1300
Email: [email protected]
 
Response Time
ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania will respond to Right-to-Know requests within five business days of receipt, as required by Pennsylvania law.
The response may:
  • Grant the request
  • Deny the request
  • Partially grant and partially deny the request
  • Notify the requester that additional time is needed, as permitted by law
If additional time is needed, ASPIRA may invoke an extension of up to 30 calendar days for reasons allowed under the Right-to-Know Law.

If a Request Is Denied

If a request is denied or partially denied, the written response will explain the reason for the denial and provide information about the requester’s appeal rights.
If ASPIRA does not respond within the required timeframe, the request may be considered “deemed denied” under the Right-to-Know Law.

Appeal Process

A requester may appeal a denial, partial denial, or deemed denial to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
Appeals generally must be filed within 15 business days of the mailing date of the denial or deemed denial.
Appeals should include:
  • A copy of the original Right-to-Know request
  • A copy of ASPIRA’s response, if one was provided
  • A statement explaining why the requester believes the record is public
  • A response to any reason ASPIRA provided for denying the request
Appeals may be filed with:
Pennsylvania Office of Open Records
555 Walnut Street, Suite 605
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1925
Website: openrecords.pa.gov
Phone: 717-346-9903
Fax: 717-425-5343
ADA Accommodations
ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania is committed to providing access to information for all members of the community. Individuals who need assistance or reasonable accommodations to submit a Right-to-Know request may contact the Director of Development & Strategic Partnership using the contact information listed above.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, please visit the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records website at openrecords.pa.gov.
ASPIRA Inc. of Pennsylvania has designated the following individual as the Right to Know Officer:
 
Waleska Matos
Director of Development & Strategic Partnership
Address: ASPIRA, Inc. of PA 
4322 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 215-455-1300
Email: [email protected]