Missouri Attorney General Files Sunshine Law Lawsuit Against Rockwood School District

On April 22, 2022, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed a lawsuit alleging that the Rockwood School District violated the Missouri Sunshine Law in connection with a public records request made by his office in November 2021.

According to the Attorney General’s petition, the records request sought documents related to the district’s publication of an FBI tip line number associated with federal investigations into threats made against school board members. The lawsuit alleges that the district required upfront payment of fees and a deposit to prepare copies of records, despite the requested records being electronic in nature.

The petition further alleges that the district failed to provide timely responses to the records request, charged excessive fees, and did not provide reasonable access to public records as required under Missouri’s Sunshine Law.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a knowing violation and up to $5,000 for a purposeful violation of the statute, as permitted under Missouri law.

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) later submitted an amicus brief in support of the Rockwood School District. The NSBA argued that the lawsuit raises concerns about local governance and the relationship between state officials and school boards.

Attorney General Schmitt has stated that the action is intended to enforce compliance with open records requirements and uphold transparency in public institutions.

In response, the Rockwood School District indicated that it had not yet been formally served at the time of its initial public statement and expressed confidence that it acted in accordance with the Sunshine Law. The district stated it would consult legal counsel regarding next steps.

The case remains pending. Its resolution will determine whether the district’s response to the records request met statutory requirements under Missouri law.