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

All public information requests should be submitted to Debbie Gaskamp via openrecords@brenhamk-12.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:

• Submit the request in writing**:
  • by mail: Brenham ISD, attn: Debbie Gaskamp, PO Box 1147, Brenham, TX 77833
  • by email: openrecords@brenhamk-12.net
  • in person: Brenham ISD Central Administration Office, 711 E. Mansfield St., Brenham, TX 77833
• Include enough description and detail of the information so the District can accurately identify and locate the items requested.
• Clarify the type or amount of information requested if needed.

Request for Records Form

**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 Brenham High School counseling team if you are a student, parent, or guardian requesting transcript information. 

Charges

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:

• 36 hours of time during the District’s fiscal year; or
• 15 hours of time during a one-month period.

Open Records Request Policy Fee (GBAA XHIBIT)

Open Records Request Policy Guidelines (GBAA LEGAL, GBAA LOCAL)

Per Government Code Section 552.0031 (f), a school district’s
board of trustees may designate not more than 10 additional non-business days on
which the district administrative offices are closed or are operating with minimum
staffing to allow more time to respond to open record requests. These 10 non-business
days are in addition to the official state and national holidays.

Supporting Document(s): Government Code Section 552.0031 and the 2024 chart of
official state and national holidays

Recommendation: I recommend that the Board approve the following ten (10) non-
business days during the 2024 calendar year regarding responses to open records

requests:
September 18, 19, 20
November 25, 26, 27
December 23, 27, 30, 31

Government Code Section 552.0031 and the 2024 chart of
official state and national holidays