The Smithfield School Committee violated the APRA when its denial failed to provide "the specific reasons for the denial." R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-7(a). This Department has previously held that "a statement that the information sought 'is not public information' is not sufficient to comply with the Act's mandate." See Nye v. Town of Westerly, PR 95-21. The School Committee violated the APRA when it failed to include the procedures for appealing the denial.
