pay for play

I had an e-mail response from a custodian of records who wanted to charge for researching fees. After consultation with Davis and some back and forth, she sent me this e-mail:

Our mission statement is to provide comprehensive educational
experiences that will empower all students to become lifelong learners
and productive, informed, responsible citizens who are able to meet the
challenges of a rapidly changing society. Our staff, teachers and
administrators focus on the needs of the students ahead of any other
requests. We will comply with any request for public records, but
believe it should be at the cost of those requesting the records and not
at the cost of our local taxpayers or at the cost of the State of
Missouri. We have complied with several requests for records, but every
time we use our faculty and staff for that purpose, we believe our
students lose valuable instruction time. Therefore, our district does
not waive the fees. Please advise. Thanks.

No challenges recorded in five different districts. Columbia Public Schools will respond Monday.