Highline Public Schools Sued Over Alleged Public Records Delays

"Washington law requires prompt access to public records, not standardized stalling tactics." -K Price

Burien resident Kristen Price has filed a lawsuit against Highline Public Schools, alleging the district unlawfully delayed responses to public records requests in violation of Washington's Public Records Act.

Filed in King County Superior Court as Case No. 26-2-23235-1 SEA, the lawsuit centers on a pattern involving 24 public records requests submitted between May and July 2026. The 213-page filing includes extensive exhibits such as request logs, GovQA correspondence, and production estimates.

Price alleges the district assigned lengthy timelines—sometimes nine to ten months—for relatively simple requests, later replacing those estimates with open-ended responses stating records would be produced ”as soon as we are able." She also claims the district mishandled a small fee payment and, in one instance, produced incorrect documents.

The Highline Journal has previously reported on Price's concerns about long public records timelines.

The lawsuit asks the court to compel the district to produce the requested records, impose statutory penalties, and reimburse litigation costs.

"Public oversight of school district governance is impossible when basic transparency requests are intentionally locked behind automated multi-month delays," Price said in a July 22 press release. "Washington law requires prompt access to public records, not standardized stalling tactics."

Washington's Public Records Act is intended to ensure timely access to government records, with courts authorized to award penalties and attorney fees when agencies fail to comply.

Highline Public Schools Communications Chief Tove Tupper confirmed the district has received the lawsuit.

"We have received a copy of the lawsuit and are currently reviewing it. We will respond following the appropriate legal process."

As of publication, the district had not filed a response in King County Superior Court.

Price said the lawsuit is ultimately about maintaining public trust in local government.

"As we navigate this next chapter, my primary commitment remains unchanged: serving our students, supporting our educators, and holding our district to the highest standards of integrity. Real leadership isn't about controlling perceptions or protecting institution over impact—it’s about earning community trust through transparency and real results. I appreciate the Highline Journal’s open invitation to keep this dialogue direct, honest, and centered on our families."

The case remains pending in King County Superior Court.

The Highline Journal will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

*Sign across the street from the Highline school district central office in Burien, Washington. Photo courtesy of Kristen Price.*

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