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100+ Kansas School Districts Asked About Politicians Invited To Schools

The Kansas Association of School Boards says least 100 Kansas school districts have been asked to provide information about the politicians who have been invited to their school events.

KASB general counsel Donna Whiteman told The Associated Press that the Kansas Open Records Act requests were sent to districts in batches. They came from the Kansas Legislative Research Department, which sometimes makes requests from lawmakers.

Staff is required to keep all requester's information confidential and couldn't even confirm that such requests had been sent.

Donna Whiteman described the requests as "unusual," noting that the requesters are seeking information about politicians' activities during "the critical weeks before statewide elections."

Specifically, the request asks for "all invitations (written, electronic, or by telephone) to elected officials in or candidates for the State Legislature, the State Board of Education, or any statewide elected office, made by employees or board members of the school district."

It asks for invitations between Aug.1, 2011, through Aug. 22, 2014, requesting those records to be turned over as soon as possible.

Lastly, it asks for Oct. 1 through Nov. 3 records to be submitted on Nov. 5.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.