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Human Resources » Public Information Requests

Public Information Requests

Texas Government Code 552.002(a) defines "public information" as information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by a governmental body, or for a governmental body if the governmental body owns the information or has a right of access to it.
 

Columbus Independent School District (CISD) is committed to open government and transparency. As a governmental body in Texas, CISD is subject to the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), which gives the public the right to access government records.

The TPIA states that all governmental information is presumed to be available to the public. Certain exceptions may apply, but we will always handle your request in accordance with the law.

How to Submit a Public Information Request

For a request to be valid, it must be in writing. Your request should include enough description and detail to allow us to accurately identify and locate the records you are seeking.

You can submit your request to CISD by the following methods:

  • Email: [email protected]

  • U.S. Mail: Columbus Independent School District, Attn: Public Information Request, 105 Cardinal Lane, Columbus, TX 78934

  • In Person: Hand-deliver your request to the Central Administration Office at 105 Cardinal Lane, Columbus, TX 78934.

Please note: For a valid request, you must submit it to one of the designated methods listed above. Requests sent to a personal email or an employee's work email may not be processed as a formal public information request.

 

Important Things to Remember

  • Be Specific: A clear and specific request helps us find the information you need and respond to you faster. Overly broad or unclear requests may cause delays.

  • No "Why?": You do not have to provide a reason for your request. The law prohibits us from asking why you want the information.

  • No New Records: The TPIA requires us to provide records that already exist. We are not required to create new information, conduct legal research, or answer general questions.

  • Timelines: We will respond to your request promptly. If we cannot produce the records within 10 business days, we will notify you in writing of a reasonable date and time when the records will be available.

  • Charges: In most cases, there is no charge for public information. If estimated charges exceed $40, we will provide you with a written statement of estimated charges in advance and an opportunity to modify your request.

 

What to Expect After Making a Request

 

When you submit a public information request to the Columbus ISD Human Resources Office, you will receive an email confirming that we have received it. If you do not get a confirmation email, that means we have not received your request.

The Texas Public Information Act requires schools and other public agencies to provide requested information “promptly.” This means we must respond within a reasonable amount of time, which can vary depending on the size and type of request.

At Columbus ISD, our typical response time is about 10 business days. If it looks like your request will take longer, we will contact you with an updated timeline.

The law also allows school districts to recover costs for providing copies of records. If your request is more than 50 pages, there may be additional charges for materials, labor, and overhead. If the estimated cost will be more than $40.00, we will send you a detailed estimate before we begin processing your request.

If the information you’ve requested includes records that may be confidential under the Texas Public Information Act, Columbus ISD is required to:

  • Ask the Texas Attorney General’s Office for a ruling within 10 business days, and provide you with a copy of that request.

  • Send the Attorney General additional information and documentation within 15 business days. If the request includes details from your request, you may receive a redacted (blacked out) version for privacy.

We are committed to handling your request as quickly and fairly as possible while following the requirements of state law.

For more information about the Texas Public Information Act, visit the Office of the Attorney General's website at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.