The Mackinac Center for Public Policy filed a lawsuit against Flint Community Schools on April 30, 2025,
Responding to the lawsuit, Flint Community Schools agreed to provide the requested public records, which were released on May 22, 2025.
The Mackinac Center voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit on June 9, marking an additional victory in its commitment to hold public officials accountable to Michigan residents.
On February 17, 2025, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy submitted a FOIA request to Flint Community Schools seeking travel and business expense reports for school administrators and staff for 2023 and 2024. Under Michigan law, public bodies are required to respond to FOIA requests within five business days, with the option of a single 10-business-day extension
Flint Community Schools failed to meet any of its obligations under FOIA. No response, extension, or formal communication was issued within the required time. On March 11, 2025 — more than three weeks after the initial request — the Mackinac Center issued a follow-up communication.
An unnamed FCS official eventually responded to acknowledge receipt and stated that the district was “working on it,” but failed to provide the legally required:
After receiving no proper response, the Mackinac Center sent a formal demand letter outlining Flint Community Schools’ legal obligations under FOIA. The district still failed to respond. With more than 50 business days having passed since the original request — and no sign of compliance — the Mackinac Center filed a lawsuit April 30, 2025 to hold the district accountable and uphold the principles of government transparency.
FOIA exists to give citizens access to public records and hold government agencies accountable. When school districts or other public bodies ignore the law, it undermines transparency and erodes public trust. Flint Community Schools’ refusal to follow basic FOIA procedures prevents taxpayers from understanding how public funds are being used.
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