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  2. Public Information

Public Information

Florence ISD upholds the principles of Open Government and complies fully with the Texas Public Information Act.

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 government body owns the information or has a right of access to it.

Public information may be requested from Florence ISD via the Superintendent’s office. It is important to note that governmental entities are not required to respond to questions via the Texas Public Information Act; however, if available, records that would provide the answers to posed questions will be provided if not excepted from release via statute.

How to Request Public Information

Your request must be in writing and addressed to Public Information. Only written requests trigger a governmental body’s obligations under the Public Information Act.

  • Provide your full name and contact information including email/or fax (if available).
  • Provide a heading for your correspondence that reads “Public Information Request.”
  • Provide a detailed, precise description of the nature and scope of information you are seeking.
  • Requests should be for documents or other information that is already in existence.

Written requests may be submitted by:

Email: pia@florenceisd.net, Public Information Request Form
Fax: 254-793-3055
Mail or In-person: Florence ISD, 306 College Ave., Florence, TX 76527

What to Expect After Making a Request

Once your request is received by Florence ISD Public Information, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your request. If you do not receive an acknowledgment that your request has been received, then Public Information has not received your request.

Due to the volume of requests received, Florence ISD has a typical turnaround time of ten business days. In the event that processing your request will take longer than ten business days, Public Information will notify you of the projected time frame for completion.

The Texas Public Information Act allows a governmental body to recover costs relating to reproducing public information. Additionally, a request for copies that results in more than fifty pages may be assessed charges for labor, overhead, and materials. If the estimated charges will exceed $40.00, you will receive an itemized statement of estimated charges before any work is undertaken.

The following is a partial list of charges for copies of public information, as adopted by the General Services Commission:

  • Standard paper copy – $.10 per page
  • Oversized Paper copy – $.50 each
  • Other–Actual cost
  • Labor charge: For programming – $28.50 per hour
  • For locating, compiling, and reproducing – $15 per hour
  • Overhead charge – 20% of labor charge
  • Miscellaneous supplies – Actual cost
  • Postage and shipping charge – Actual cost

For the complete list, go to Chapter 70.3 of the Texas Administrative Code

Tips for Submitting Common Public Information Requests

Bid Tab Request

  • Always include the RFP Project Number and description of project when requesting bid tabulation for a project.
  • Documents responsive to requests for bid proposals may contain third party information, which could require an Attorney General ruling request. If that is the case, you will be notified in writing.

Student List Request

  • Student directory information can only be released pursuant to Board Policy FL(LOCAL). For student list requests, always include the school name(s) and grade level(s) desired.
  • The information provided is ONLY for “unrestricted” students

Employee List Request

  • Lists are limited to employees that have not opted out of having their information released to the public

 

For complaints regarding failure to release public information, you may …

  • Contact your local County or District Attorney
  • Contact the Office of the Attorney General, Open Government Hotline at 512-478-6736 or toll-free at 1-877-673-6839.

If you need special accommodation pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact us.