The Government Records Office held an appeal hearing on August 21, 2025, focusing on a records request made by the Oaks family regarding an investigation into their complaints. The meeting addressed the handling of records related to the investigation and the attorney-client privilege surrounding certain documents.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the only records provided to the Oaks family were a redacted time sheet and a summary of findings from an attorney hired to review the situation. The attorney's report was deemed a protected record under Utah law, specifically citing attorney-client privilege. Officials stated that they had conducted a thorough investigation at two levels: first by the school supervisor and then by the external attorney.
The Oaks family expressed dissatisfaction with the records received, noting that they did not receive the summary of the attorney's findings as part of their request. This led to a discussion about the adequacy of the records provided and the justification for withholding certain documents.
The meeting highlighted the complexities of public records requests and the balance between transparency and legal protections. The outcome of the appeal remains to be seen, as the Oaks family continues to seek access to the full documentation related to their case.