Frequently Asked Questions

American Heritage Charter School (AHCS) complies with the Idaho Public Records Act, Idaho Code §§ 74-101–74-126. Members of the public may request access to existing public records, subject to legal exemptions and confidentiality requirements. AHCS is not required to answer general questions or create new documents in response to a request.

How do I submit a request?

Submit a written request to AHCS’s designated Custodian of Records. You may use the public records request form or submit your request by email or mail.

Submit Public Records Request: [LINK FORTHCOMING]

Clearly identify your submission as a Public Records Request. Describe the records you seek, including the subject matter, relevant date range, and any details that will help AHCS locate them.

Include your name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and a written declaration affirming under oath whether you are an Idaho resident. See Idaho Code §§ 74-102(4), 74-103(1).

When will AHCS respond?

AHCS will grant or deny your request within the applicable statutory deadline:

• Idaho residents: Within three (3) working days after receipt. If additional time is needed to locate or retrieve records, AHCS will notify you in writing and provide the records within ten (10) working days after receipt.

• Nonresidents who are not employed by an Idaho resident: Within twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt. If additional time is needed to locate or retrieve records, AHCS will notify you in writing and provide the records within thirty-five (35) calendar days after receipt.

If an existing electronic record requires conversion to another format and the conversion cannot be completed within the applicable deadline, AHCS will notify you and arrange a mutually agreed completion date.

See Idaho Code § 74-103(2).

Will I have to pay a fee?

There is no fee to submit a request. For Idaho residents, the first two (2) hours of labor and the first one hundred (100) pages of paper copies are generally provided without charge.

AHCS may charge fees permitted by law for additional labor, copying, redaction, and electronic record conversion. Resident labor charges must follow statutory rate limits, including use of the lowest-paid employee who is necessary and qualified to perform the work. Different fee provisions may apply to nonresident requests.

AHCS will provide an itemized estimate and may require advance payment before performing work subject to fees. If additional payment is needed, AHCS will notify you. Any advance payment exceeding actual costs will be refunded.

Qualifying Idaho residents may request a fee waiver under Idaho Code § 74-102(10)(f). See Idaho Code § 74-102(10), (12).

Are some records protected from disclosure?

Yes. Federal and state laws protect certain records and information, including:

• Student education records. Student education records and personally identifiable information generally cannot be disclosed to the public without consent or a legal exception. Parents and eligible students have separate rights to access their own education records. See 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; Idaho Code §§ 74-104(1), 33-133.
• Confidential personnel information. Certain employment information is public, including employment history, classification, compensation, and employment status. Other information, including evaluations, grievances, personal contact information, and other protected personnel-file contents, is generally confidential. See Idaho Code § 74-106(1).
• Medical and health information. Applicable privacy laws protect confidential medical and mental health information. Student health records maintained by AHCS or someone acting on its behalf generally fall under FERPA. HIPAA applies where legally applicable.

Privileged records. Attorney-client communications and other legally privileged information may be withheld under applicable law.

What happens if part of a record is confidential?

AHCS will redact protected information and disclose the remaining portions when required by law.

If AHCS denies a request in whole or in part, it will provide written notice identifying the legal basis for the denial and explaining the requester’s right to seek judicial review and the applicable deadline. See Idaho Code § 74-103(4)–(5).

How do I request a transcript or my child’s education records?

Contact the AHCS school office at clerk@ahcspatriots.us or (208) 529-6570 for instructions. These requests follow the applicable student-records process, including verification of the requester’s right to access the records.

How are subpoenas, court orders, and other legal requests handled?

Subpoenas, court orders, requests to coordinate care, and law enforcement inquiries may involve separate legal procedures. Direct these matters to AHCS’s Custodian of Records for review.

Who should I contact?

Custodian of Records
American Heritage Charter School
1736 S. 35th W.
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
Email: [Insert designated public-records email]
Phone: (208) 529-6570