Public Information

Open Records Requests Procedures

Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, also known as the Public Information Act (PIA), gives the public the right to request access to certain government records, including records that pertain to the operation of Longview ISD. A request for information must be submitted in writing. A request form and additional information relating to the PIA is provided below:

• Public Information Act Request Form
• Texas Attorney General Public Information Act Handbook
• Attorney General Information Regarding the Public Information Act
• Attorney General Information regarding Requesting Public Information

If the request is unclear, the District may ask the requestor to clarify the request. Additionally, if a large amount of information has been requested, the District may discuss with the requestor how the scope of the request may be narrowed, but the District may not inquire into the purpose for which information will be used.

Note: although the PIA makes most government information available to the public, some exceptions exist. The District may, within 10 business days of the request, refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for a ruling on whether an exception to release applies. If the information is public and no exceptions apply, the District will generally release the information within 10 business days as required by the PIA. However, if the District cannot produce the public information for inspection or duplication within 10 business days, the District will notify the requestor and set a date and hour within a reasonable time when the information will be available for inspection or duplication.

For additional information relating to the District’s processing of public information requests, please see Board Policies GBAA (LEGAL) and (LOCAL).

How to Make a Public Information Request

Your request must be in writing, and we request that you include your complete contact information, especially an e-mail address if you have one.

Important tips to consider:

• The request does not require the District to create new information, answer questions, or perform legal research. Additionally the District is not required to comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis as such information is prepared in the future.
• To expedite our response to your request, you may agree to the redaction of information confidential under mandatory and/or discretionary exceptions under the Public Information Act.
• Describe the documents, records, or data you are seeking. Note: We ask that your request be specific and include date ranges, if possible.
• Your request should be for documents, records, or other data that is already in existence.

How to Submit a PIA Request

Please direct your request(s) to Mr. Francisco Rojas, LISD Public Information Officer, by any of the following methods:

Postal Delivery
P.O. Box 3268
Longview, TX 75606
E-mail: ask@lisd.org
Fax: 903-381-2309

In-person
attn: Mr. Francisco Rojas
Longview ISD Education Support Center
1301 E. Young St.
Longview, TX 75602

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 903-381-2200.

Student Identifying Information

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), the District is required to withhold from public disclosure personally identifiable information in education records. Prior to the releasing of public information, the District will remove all personally identifiable information, as required by law. 

Are There Charges for Requesting Records?

Longview ISD uses the rates established by the Texas Attorney General to determine charges for copies of public records, as outlined below. 

If the cost of the request is expected to exceed $40, LISD will send a cost estimate to the requestor. The cost estimate will include an itemized statement of any copying, personnel, mailing or other charges that will be incurred in fulfilling the request. The District will process the request in accordance with the requestor’s response to the cost estimate, as required by law. Where estimated costs exceed $100, the requestor will be required to make a deposit/bond before any records are compiled.

For additional information on cost rules, you may visit the Attorney General’s website. 

Labor Charges 

Common Charges 

Media Coverage Procedures
All media requests/inquiries should be directed to Mr. Francisco Rojas, LISD Spokesman, at 903-381-2220 or via email. 

Members of the media are not allowed on campus without first going through LISD Community Relations for approval. Campuses must receive notice from LISD Community Relations before members of the media/reporters are allowed on campus.

Media Relations Policies & Procedures
Longview ISD supports the rights of citizens to have access to information that affects school programs and services for students. The district strives to maintain a positive relationship with all news media outlets and other communications representatives. Our goal is to ensure the dissemination of timely, accurate and newsworthy information to the community through the news media. All district staff and administrators shall endeavor to create a positive, courteous relationship with members of the news media and maintain open communications on matters of a routine nature while also keeping the welfare of students as the guiding principle in all contacts with the news media.

LISD Community Relations coordinates news coverage of the school district and is responsible for overseeing official communications between the school system and news media. All news conferences and public events of a district wide nature, in which news coverage/promoting is requested, must be coordinated by or through Community Relations.

Media Access to District Schools & Facilities
Longview ISD welcomes members of the media into our schools and strives to provide the most accurate and timely information available. LISD Community Relations should be the first point of contact for all media inquiries for our district. News media will not be allowed on any district property without prior consent from Community Relations.

Interviewing & Photographing Students
Longview ISD operates in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This law allows students and parents to opt out of the release of certain information about students, including photographs. Each school is responsible for maintaining a database to determine who cannot be photographed and interviewed according to FERPA guidelines via the district’s Opt Out form. Parent permission must be confirmed prior to taking photos, video and quotes from Longview ISD students.

Press Releases, Media Alerts & News Conferences
LISD Community Relations is responsible for coordinating all news coverage of the school district. The department oversees official communications between the school system and news media by initiating story ideas, including press releases and media advisories, as well as facilitating requests for news coverage from media representatives and district personnel. Community Relations also provides assistance to school administrators regarding effective relations with the news media. All news conferences and public events of a district wide nature in which news coverage is requested must be coordinated by or through Community Relations. District personnel should submit story ideas via e-mail to ASK@lisd.org 

Longview ISD Community Relations is ready and willing to assist our students, staff, and local stakeholders with all their various communications and community outreach needs!

To initiate a request, please email a description of your project to LISD Community Relations at ASK@lisd.org. A communications team member will contact you to discuss the project further.
 

To determine when you need to submit requests, please see the timeline below:

• Graphic Design: Minimum Five (5) Business Days (or longer depending upon complexity of design)
• Video Production: Minimum Ten (10) Business Days (or longer depending upon complexity of project)
• Districtwide Communication: Minimum Three (3) Business Days’ Notice 
• Day of Event Coverage: Minimum Seven (7) Business Days’ Notice
• Flyer Distribution: Minimum Five (5) Business Days’ Notice
   

Share Your Story!
Do you have a cool story to share from your campus or department? Email us!
 

What makes a good story?

• Students or staff who go above and beyond
• Community partnerships & guest speakers
• Unique classroom projects or curriculum
• Overcoming obstacles or hardships
• Acts of kindness or leadership
• Student or staff achievements
• Upcoming events
• Anything that gets you excited!

The safety and well-being of students, colleagues, and families is our absolute top priority, and Longview ISD has absolutely zero-tolerance for the kinds of spurious threats of violence that have been reported at school districts across the country. Our district maintains a strong partnership with local authorities, and all such threats are immediately reported to law enforcement by the LISD administration. 

But it is also improper to post (or repost) an alleged threat on social media, before the information has been reported and investigated by the authorities. Posting and spreading rumors about threats (especially those that turn out to be false) causes unnecessary fear, a disruption of the school day, and wastes valuable civic resources. 

The appropriate response when coming across an alleged threat is to immediately call 9-1-1 so law enforcement can respond accordingly. By properly reporting threats, the protocols in place can be swiftly implemented to quickly determine the credibility of the threat.

But why wasn't I called? 

A common concern from families is that they are contacted immediately once the district receives word of a non-imminent threat. 

While Longview ISD believes strongly in keeping our families in the know when such events occur, our first responsibility is the safety of the campus, and that means allowing law enforcement to determine the credibility of a threat and take the appropriate action. 

Once the investigation has resulted in action (either the arrest of a suspect or the threat is found to be non-credible), Longview ISD will inform the families of the relevant campus. 

However, in the event of a valid imminent threat to a campus, the district and Longview Police will immediately notify the community, with detailed instructions as directed by law enforcement. Our hope is that this is an option that we never have to use. 

To report any other suspicious activity or campus safety concerns, please email ask@lisd.org or call 903-381-2200.