Public Information Requests

  • Requests for public information (open records) are handled in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Texas Government Code 552.001. 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

    Any person requesting public information has the responsibility to submit the request in writing, to include enough description and detail of the information request so the District can accurately identify and locate the items requested, and clarify the type or amount of information requested if needed.
     
    All requests must be sent as follows:
    • By mail: Bastrop ISD Public Information Request, Attention: Communications Department, 906 Farm Street, Bastrop TX 78602
              OR
    • By fax: (512) 321-1371
              OR 
    • By email: openrecords@bisdtx.org. All requests by email should be directed to this email address only. This procedure allows the District to accurately document the date each request is received and respond to the requestor promptly. Requests sent to any other email address will not be considered a valid request and will not trigger the timeframe required by the TPIA.
              OR
    • In-person: 906 Farm Street, Bastrop TX 78602

    Bastrop ISD works to meet information requests in compliance with state and federal laws. To the extent possible, requests are handled in the order they are received. By law, Bastrop ISD has 10 business days to determine whether or not to seek an Attorney General's ruling regarding information that may be exempted from public disclosure. If the request cannot be produced within 10 business days, staff will notify the requestor in writing (including electronically) of the reasonable date and time when it will be available. 

    BISD Nonbusiness Days for Public Information Requests

    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 the 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.
     

    High School Transcripts

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

    Student Records

    Requests for student records are not handled through the Communications Office. Student records are private and are protected from the public under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please contact the appropriate school for the requested information.
     

    Charges

    Bastrop ISD charges fees authorized by the Texas Public Information Act. If the fees will result in a charge exceeding $40.00, the District will provide the requestor with a written estimate detailing the charges that will be imposed.
     
     
    **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.
     

    Open Records Request Policy Fee & Guidelines
    Open Records Request Application