The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA)
A guide to requesting information under VFOIA
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) is the state law granting access to public records and entry into meetings of public bodies for citizens of the Commonwealth. It guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and members of the media access to the meetings of public bodies likes the School Board and to inspect or copy public records.
VFOIA provides that, with some specific exemptions, all meetings of public bodies shall be open to the public and all public records open for public inspection.
The purpose of VFOIA is to promote awareness by all persons of governmental activities. VFOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally in favor of access.
Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP) complies with the state's Freedom of Information Act.
Submit a Request
You can fill out an online form to request information under VFOIA.
If you have questions or want additional information, contact the SECEP FOIA officer, Dr. Dwana White at 757-892-6100 or emailing at white.dwana@secep.net
Additional Information
More information about VFOIA can be found through the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.
Costs Related to FOIA Request Processing
The following costs will be charged at the rates indicated, (not to exceed actual cost):
a. Staff member search time: charged by the quarter hour based on the employee’s hourly wage.
b. Computer search time: charged by the quarter hour based on the hourly wage of the employee performing the search
c. Computer printouts: charged at the rate of $0.05 cents per page
d. Photocopies (including those necessary to perform redactions): charged at the rate of $.05 cents per page
e. Incidental out-of-pocket costs necessary to assemble the records (e.g., phone, postage, or courier charges)
Requests Totaling $200+
If the requester has asked for an advance determination of the cost, or if the cost is expected to exceed $200.00, the requester will be notified in advance of the cost associated with the request.
If the cost of the request is determined to exceed $200.00, the school division will, before continuing to process the request, require the requester to agree to payment of a deposit not to exceed the amount of the advance determination. The deposit will be credited toward the final cost of supplying the requested records.
No further action will be taken until the requester responds, and the requester must agree to pay the estimated amount before any further processing of the request is performed.
Past Due Balances
Before processing a request for records, the Superintendent or designee may require the requester to pay any amounts owed to the School Board for previous requests for records that remain unpaid 30 days or more after billing.