Open Requests Form

Requests for public information (open records) are handled in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Texas Government Code 552.235. The PIA gives the public the right to request access to government information. The request must ask for information already in existence. The PIA does not require the District to create new information, perform legal searches, or answer general questions.

Procedures

All public information requests should be submitted to the Administrative Office via open.requests@giddings.txed.net. 
This procedure allows the District to accurately document the date each request is received and respond to the requestor promptly. If the request cannot be produced within ten business days, staff will notify the requestor in writing (including electronically) of the reasonable date and time when it will be available. The request must ask for records or information already in existence.

Any person requesting public information has the responsibility to:

1.   Submit the request in writing**:

• by mail: Giddings ISD, ATTN: Public Information Requests, PO Box 389 Giddings, TX 78942

• by email: open.requests@giddings.txed.net

• in person: Giddings ISD Admin Bldg, 2337 N. Main, Giddings, TX 78942

2.   Include enough description and detail of the information so the District can accurately identify and locate the items requested.

3.   Clarify the type or amount of information requested if needed.

**While an application for requesting open records is not required by law, it is helpful in ensuring the request is formatted correctly (in writing), includes appropriate detail of information requested, and ensures the District can contact the requestor with any questions or clarification needs. It also ensures the District completes all portions of a request for public information. Please see the Open Records Request Application below to request information.

The District shall release requested information that is not confidential by law. For items the District chooses to withhold, a ruling will be requested from the Office of the Attorney General if applicable. The requestor will be sent a copy of that communication. If information requested falls under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), federal law supersedes state law, and information may be withheld without requiring an AG opinion if deemed that it violates student privacy information.

Please Note: Requests for high school transcripts are not handled through this office. Transcripts are private and are protected from the public under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please contact the high school for the requested information.

Charges

A person can ask to view information, get copies of information, or both. If a request is for copies of information, the District may charge ten cents per copy, and may charge $15 per hour for labor costs associated with processing the request if the number of copies exceeds 50 pages. As authorized by law, the District shall charge a requestor for additional personnel time spent producing information for the requestor after personnel of the District have collectively spent:
1. 36 hours of time during the District’s fiscal year; or
2. 15 hours of time during a one-month period.

Please see Board Policy GBA Table A(EXHIBIT) below for format options and pricing.