Skip to main content
Open Records » Open Records

Open Records


***THIS IS NOT FOR STUDENT OR EMPLOYEE RECORDS.***
***FOR STUDENT RECORDS, USE THE DISTRICT TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM ON THE RIGHT***

***FOR EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECORDS CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES HERE.***
 
According to Local Board Policy GBA (legal)-PRM, a person may request, in writing, the inspection and/or duplication of public information material. In the Southwest District, these requests should be submitted through the Open Record Request online form. 
 
After submission, you will receive an emailed receipt. If you do not receive one, your request was not submitted correctly. We ask that you please try again. 

Procedure:

Submit a written request using our automated form according to a governmental body's reasonable procedures.

 

Please provide enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the governmental body to accurately identify and locate the requested items.


Cooperate with the governmental body's reasonable efforts to clarify the type or amount of information requested.


A. Information to be released

If your request cannot be produced within 10 working days, the public information officer will notify you in writing of the reasonable date and time when it will be available.

 

Cost of Records

You must respond to any written estimate of charges within 10 days of the date the governmental body sent it or the request may be deemed withdrawn.


If estimated costs exceed $100.00 (or $50.00 if a governmental body has fewer than 16 full-time employees), the governmental body may require a bond, prepayment, or deposit.


You may ask the governmental body to determine whether providing the information primarily benefits the general public, resulting in a waiver or reduction of charges.


Please make timely payments for all mutually agreed-upon charges. A governmental body can demand payment of overdue balances exceeding $100.00 or obtain a security deposit before processing additional requests from you.


B. Information that may be withheld due to an exception

By the 10th business day after you file your request, a governmental body must:

 

  • Request an Attorney General opinion and state which exceptions apply;
  • Notify the requestor of the referral to the Attorney General, and 
  • Notify third parties if the request involves their proprietary information.
  • Failure to request an AG opinion and notify the requestor within 10 business days will result in a presumption that the information is open unless there is a compelling reason to withhold it.

 

Requestors may send a letter to the Attorney General arguing for release and may review arguments made by the governmental body. The Attorney General must issue an opinion by the 65th working day from the day you made the request. Governmental bodies must release information determined by the Attorney General to be open or file suit within 30 calendar days, and they may not ask the Attorney General to "reconsider" an opinion.


Charge for request: Charges for Open Records requests will be made payable to the Southwest ISD and must be received prior to processing information unless other arrangements have been made.