Public Information Requests

  • Requests for public information (open records) are handled in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Texas Government Code 552. The PIA gives the public the right to request access to government information. Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of information. The PIA does not require the district to create new information, perform legal searches, or answer general questions.

    Requests may be submitted by:

    Email: openrecords@jarrellisd.org

    Mail: Communications Department, 108 E. Avenue F, Jarrell, Texas 76537

    Fax: 512-746-2518

    Requests for public information should include: 

    • Your full name and contact information.
    • Provide a heading for your correspondence that reads “Public Information Request.”
    • Provide a detailed, precise description of the information you are requesting.

    Public Information Requests are produced within ten business days. Staff will notify the requestor in writing of the date and time when it will be available. 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 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;
    • USB drive – $6.00
    • Labor charge: For locating, compiling, and reproducing, the cost is $15.00 per hour. Programming is $28.50 per hour.
    • Miscellaneous supplies–Actual cost
    • Postage and shipping charge–Actual cost
    • Other - Actual cost

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

    Changes made to House Bill 3033 on September 1, 2023, require school districts to approve up to ten business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and state holidays) when the District is closed during the calendar year as non-business days. 

    On September 27, 2023, the Jarrell ISD Board of Trustees designated the following dates as non-business days for the 2023 - 24 school year.

    2023: 
    November: 20, 21, and 22 (Thanksgiving Break)
    December: 22, 26, 27, and 28 (Winter Break)

    2024
    March: 11, 12, and 13 (Spring Break) 

    Jarrell ISD will release requested information that is not confidential by law. If the information requested falls under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the district will withhold that information. 

    For information the district withholds, 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 opinion if deemed that it violates student privacy information.

    NOTE: Jarrell ISD social media sites, including those created and managed by employees as part of their professional duties, are subject to open records laws. Any content posted/written in a social media format related to school district business, including communication posted by an employee of the district and communication received from citizens, is a public record.