HCPSS Enhances Transparency with Launch of Online MPIA Tracking System

June 30th, 2017

The Howard County Public Schools System (HCPSS) today announced the launch of a new online system for Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests. Its implementation will make public documents more readily accessible to the community.

“In an effort to regain the confidence and trust of our constituents, I have made transparency and timeliness of responses to Maryland Public Information Act requests a top priority,” says HCPSS Acting Superintendent Michael J. Martirano.

The MPIA tracking system moves requests fully online via the HCPSS website starting July 1. Once a member of the public submits a request at mpia.hcpss.org, they can follow the status of their request in real-time as HCPSS works to respond. Via the tracking system, requests and responsive documents for completed MPIA submissions will be available for public inspection.

“This is the level of customer service the public should expect from the Howard County Public School System,” adds HCPSS Board of Education Chairman Cynthia L. Vaillancourt. “We hope members of the public will use it as a tool to observe the handling of Maryland Public Information Act requests, and to gain a better understanding of our operations.”

“More than just Maryland Public Information Act requests,” says Martirano, “overall transparency in our operations will help us move forward as a cohesive community focused on the education of our children.”

It is believed that HCPSS is the first school system in the region to offer an online MPIA tracking system.