School district personnel files were traditionally considered private. Since the advent of federal and state open record acts, the private nature of personnel records has come into question. All court cases since 1966, in which a member of the public wanted access to public employee information and a personal privacy exemption was raised as a defense objection, were reviewed. Directory information, payroll and absence records, grievance summaries, college transcripts, performance evaluations, employment application materials, resumes, tenure files, reports from private consultants, and settlement agreements were all found as disclosable unless statutory language or court interpretations have created exemptions. Personal information such as medical conditions, family matters, and substance abuse have been defined as intimate in nature and not disclosable. Policy implications school districts should consider include adequate preparation for information requests before they are received and procedures to follow after a request is made. (80 references to court cases) (EJS)