Colmesneil Independent School District, as a local governmental entity, is subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.

Procedures

Requests for public information (open records) are handled in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code 552.231.

All requests for public information should be submitted to the Colmesneil ISD Administration.  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, the District will notify the requestor in writing of the reasonable date and time when it will be available.

Procedures for making a request:  The request must ask for records or information already in existence.  The Act does not require the District to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.

Charges to the requestor:  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 for labor and material.  Further explanation of charges is available by contacting the Superintendent's office.

Responsibilities of the requestor:  Any person requesting public information has the responsibility to:

1.  Submit the request:
           - in writing:  Colmesneil ISD, 610 West Elder, Colmesneil, Texas 77657
           - by email:    misti.mashaw@colmesneilisd.net
           - in person:  Colmesneil ISD, 610 West Elder, Colmesneil, Texas 77657

2. All requests must be submitted in writing and should contain:*Your Name, *Address, *Phone Number,*Fax Number. Include enough description and detail of information so the District can accurately identify and locate the items requested.

3.  Clarify the type or amount of information requested if needed.  The District shall release requested information that is not confidential by law.  For items the District chooses to withhold, a ruling with be required from the Office of the Attorney General.  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 not requiring an AG opinion if deemed that it violates student privacy information.

Colmesneil ISD Administration may be contacted at 409-837-5757 for further questions regarding these Public Information Request Procedures.

For more information about the Texas Public Information Act, please refer to the following link:

Freedom of Information Act