Sherman ISD Public Information Requests

  • Requests for public information, also known as open records requests, 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 for Making a Request

    All open records requests should be submitted to the Chief Communications Officer. Please see "Responsibilities of the Requestor" below for instructions on how to submit a request. 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 10 business days, staff will notify the requestor in writing of the reasonable date and time when it will be available.

    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 utilize the Parchment website to request a copy of your transcript from Sherman High School.

    Open records requests 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.

    Responsibilities of the Requestor

    Any person requesting public information has the responsibility to:
    1. Submit the request in writing:
      • by email: openrecords@shermanisd.net
      • by mail: Sherman ISD, attn: Meghan Cone, 2701 Loy Lake Rd., Sherman, TX 75090
      • in person: Sherman ISD Admin Building, 2701 Loy Lake Rd., Sherman, TX 75090
    2. Include enough description and detail of the information so the District can accurately identify and locate the items requested.
    3. Clarify the type or amount of information requested if needed.

    Cost of Records

    • You must respond to any written estimate of charges within 10 days of the date the governmental body sent it or the request is considered automatically withdrawn.
    • If estimated costs exceed $100.00 (or $50.00 if a governmental body has fewer than 16 full-time employees) the governmental body may require a bond, prepayment or deposit.
    • You may ask the governmental body to determine whether providing the information primarily benefits the general public, resulting in a waiver or reduction of charges.
    • Make a timely payment for all mutually agreed charges. A governmental body can demand payment of overdue balances exceeding $100.00, or obtain a security deposit, before processing additional requests from you.

    Responsibilities of the District

    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.

    DESIGNATION OF NON-BUSINESS DAYS

    Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code authorizes governmental bodies to annually designate up to 10 “nonbusiness days,” when its administrative offices are closed or operating with minimum staffing for the purposes of calculating timelines to respond to public information requests. Please review the attachment below outlining the 10 days that have been designated as nonbusiness days by the Sherman ISD Board of Trustees for the 2024 calendar year. 

    Contact the Chief Communications Officer at (903) 891-6403 or email openrecords@shermanisd.net for further questions regarding these Public Information Request procedures.