Public Access: Understanding the Changing Landscape of the Public’s Right to Information, In-Person Interactions, & Your Rights as a District (Conference Call Back - Highly Rated 2024 Conference)

Description

The public’s First Amendment right to record districts and schools, coupled with in-person demands for immediate information can be intimidating and confusing. The world of the California Public Records Act is shifting and the method in which people are requesting it can vary. Understanding the public’s right to information, their right to be on district and school property, and the rights of the district to protect staff and students is critical. This presentation will provide an overview of the right to public records, how to handle in-person requests and recordings, and real-life examples (from a legal perspective, as well as from people who have been in the trenches) with practical tips you can implement right away. Participants will leave with templates and step by step strategies that will ensure they feel confident and prepared for when (not if) they are visited. 

Presenters: Tanya De La Cruz, Tricia Zarevich and Selina Ayala-Patlán

Tanya Bio Tanya De La Cruz is the Public Information & Engagement Officer for the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD). In her one year with the district, Tanya has written 7 winning award nominations, has led the effort to promote the district with positive media stories 37 times, and has modernized the district and school websites for increased engagement. Prior to joining LGSUHSD, Tanya initially served as the Assistant to the Superintendent for the Moreland School District, later developing the Public Information Officer role which would go on to grow community engagement through regular newsletters, social media growth by 90-125% year over year, and several successful content messaging and marketing strategies. She is a published author, most recently writing an article for ACSA on Imposter Syndrome that is featured on their Leadership/Professional Development section of their website. Always ready to be a thought partner, Tanya is passionate about partnering with colleagues to find ideas and strategies they need to succeed. 

Tricia Zarevich is a seasoned leader with over 13 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, providing crucial support to Superintendents, Boards of Trustees, and Public Information Officers. Her dedication to education extends far beyond administrative tasks. A true visionary, she founded California's first statewide listserv for Executive and Administrative Assistants in education, creating a vital collaborative network. Tricia's leadership is characterized by unwavering staff support, a deep community commitment, and a focus on collaborative processes. She actively seeks input from school site staff to ensure the District Office meets their needs. Recognized for her problem-solving skills, professionalism, and passion, Tricia is known for her thoughtfulness and diplomacy. Her collaborative spirit is further demonstrated by her partnerships with organizations like the Small School Districts Association (SSDA) and her service on the CSBA Executive Assistant Advisory Committee. She also serves as Secretary for ACSA Region 8 West Valley Charter and is a frequent presenter for ACSA, CalSPRA, CSBA, CASBO, and the EA Listserv. 

Selina Ayala-Patlán assists clients with labor and employment, investigation, and governance matters at Lozano Smith, Attorneys at Law. Selina has a long history working for school districts and public agencies, working closely with administration and assisting students. Prior to her admission to the California State Bar, Selina worked as a senior associate for a public relations and governmental affairs firm representing K-14 districts and public agencies, specializing in developing and executing community outreach and communications plans. She also brings to the firm direct student service experience, having most recently managed a caseload of over 400 underrepresented and low-income students for a federally funded grant program.