OSPI Public Records Request

OSPI follows the Public Records Act regarding the disclosure of our public records. OSPI rules about processing public records requests are found under WAC 392-105.

OSPI Records & Request Guidelines

Please review the following Types of OSPI Records and Records Request Guidelines prior to submitting a public records request!

Records Exemptions & Types of OSPI Records

Public Records Exemptions

Some records or information within the records held by OSPI are exempt from disclosure which requires OSPI to either fully or partially (i.e., redact) deny providing the record if requested. For information regarding what records or information held by OSPI are exempt from disclosure, review OSPI’s Public Records Exemptions.

Types of Records

If you have questions about processes, requirements, or procedures, you need to contact program staff directly.

• Professional Certification Office: Certificate status verification should not be submitted through the Public Records Office.
• Washington State Report Card: Includes a number of tools to search demographics, student performance, and financing. If you do not find the data you are looking for, you may request the data through Data Sharing with OSPI.
• Washington state schools and districts: Diplomas are not issued by OSPI, and official copies are not held by OSPI. Contact the school or district that issued the diploma for records.
• Educator Discipline Records: See the name and certification number of all certificate holders whose certificates have been suspended, surrendered, or revoked.
• E-Certification: Educational Certificates obtained after 2015 are available immediately online through your E-Certification profile. Please note any requests for certificates submitted via a public records request will be redacted as appropriate.
• Fingerprint and Background Check Records: Fingerprint and background check records are exempt from disclosure. Please note all requests for fingerprint records will be denied. Contact our Fingerprint Records Office for more information.
• Office of Professional Practices: Letters of Good Standing should not be submitted through the Public Records Office. Contact our Office of Professional Practices for more information.
• High School Transcripts: Transcripts are not issued by OSPI, and official copies are not held by OSPI. Contact the school or district of last attendance for their records.

Records Request Guidelines

Requests for public records must be in writing and should include the following:

• Requestor's contact information to send communications and responsive records (only one source is needed: email address, mailing address, or fax)
• A reasonable description of the requested records
• The preferred format for receiving the records (inspection, hardcopy, electronic)
• If the request is not submitted electronically it needs to include the date of the request

Please note under RCW 42.56.070(8), OSPI is prohibited from providing lists of individuals (employees, teachers, etc.) requested for commercial purposes. If you request a list of individuals, you may be required to complete a Commercial Purposes form and/or sign a declaration describing the purpose of the request and stating you will not use records listing individuals for a commercial purpose.

Submit a Public Records Request

All requests received outside of our online system will be manually entered into the system.

You may submit a request using any one of the following options:

• Online Electronic Request Form (preferred)
• Email your request to Public Records email
• Mail your request to
  • Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
    Attn: Public Records Officer
    Old Capitol Building
    PO Box 47200
    Olympia, WA 98504-7200
• Fax your request to 360-753-4201
• In person:
  • Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
    600 Washington St. SE
    Olympia, WA 98504-7200
  • Get driving directions

Fees Associated with Requests

There may be fees associated with your request. If there are fees, the Public Records Office will contact you for approval to process the request. OSPI will not produce any records until we receive necessary payment. In accordance with RCW 42.56.120 and WAC 392-105-060, OSPI fee schedule is as follows:

• Digitizing Hardcopy Files: $0.10 per page
• Electronic Documents: $0.05 per every four electronic files and/or email
• Photocopies: $0.15 per page
• Postage and Media: Based on actual costs incurred by agency
• Transmission of electronic records: $0.10 per gigabyte

Please note, a 10% deposit may be required per RCW 42.56.120.

Appeal a Records Request Denial

How to Appeal a Public Records Request Denial

If OSPI denies your public records request, you may request a review of the denial.

To request a review:

• Make your request in writing. In your request to review the denial:
  • Include your public records request number
  • Include a copy of or reasonably identify the written statement by the public records officer or designee denying the request
• Submit your written request to OSPI's Public Records Office using any one of the following:
  • Email your request to Public Records email.
  • Mail your request to the following:

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Attn: Public Records Officer

PO Box 47200

Olympia, WA 98504-7200

• Fax your request to 360-753-4201
• Deliver your request in person to:
  • Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
    600 Washington St. SE
    Olympia, WA 98504-7200
    Get driving directions