Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)

In accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), the public has the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by Emporia Public Schools, unless those records are specifically exempt from disclosure by law.

Public records include recorded information such as written documents, emails, electronic files, photographs, and other materials created or maintained by the district.

Lyndel Landgren, Director of Communications and Marketing

Email requests to: kora@usd253.net

Phone: 620-341-2200

Address: 1700 W. 7th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801

Casey Jones, Clerk of the Board/Admin Assistant to the Superintendent

Email requests to: kora@usd253.net

Phone: 620-341-2201

Address: 1700 W. 7th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801

Requests for public records may be submitted in writing and should include:

• Requester’s name

• Contact information (email, phone, or mailing address)

• A clear description of the records being requested

Requests may be submitted by:

• Email

• Mail

• In person

Please note: 

• KORA applies to existing records only. The district is not required to create new documents or answer questions.

The district will respond to records requests within three business days of receiving the request as required by Kansas law.

The response may:

• Provide the requested records

• Provide a timeline for when the records will be available

• Request clarification of the request

• Deny the request if the records are exempt from disclosure under the law

Reasonable fees may be charged to cover the cost of fulfilling records requests. Fees may include:

• Staff time required to locate and prepare records

• Copying or printing costs

• Postage or mailing costs

An estimate may be provided before the request is fulfilled, and prepayment may be required.                                                                                                      

Some records are not open to the public under Kansas law. Examples include:

• Personnel records

• Medical records

• Student education records protected by federal law

• Attorney-client privileged communications

• Certain investigative records

A complete list of exemptions is found in K.S.A. 45‑221.