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Navarro Independent School District

The Heart of Geronimo

Public Information Act

Public Information Act

Under the Texas Public Information Act, Navarro ISD is subject to the requirements under Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, by providing public access to official district records, including financial reports, administrative correspondence, and board policies. When a request is submitted, the district complies by producing the records promptly, or within 10 business days, while ensuring legally protected data are safely redacted. Parents and eligible students also hold the absolute right to deny the release of basic "Directory Information". 

 

Submit a PIA Request

he Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law specifically designed to protect the privacy of student education records. It grants parents and eligible students (those 18 or older) the right to inspect and review their own educational records, while strictly prohibiting the district from disclosing those records to the general public.

Because student privacy is heavily guarded by federal law, FERPA takes precedence over a the Public Information Act. If a public records request seeks information that contains personally identifiable student data, Navarro ISD is legally required to withhold or redact that information to comply with federal privacy mandates.

Requests for Video and Educational Records

When it comes to educational files and school video recordings (such as security or school bus footage), the interaction between FERPA and the PIA requires specific handling:

  • Educational Records: Requests made by parents to view their own child's educational files are processed directly under FERPA, not the PIA. The district will provide parents access to review these records within the legally mandated 45-day window.

  • School Video Footage: Security and bus videos that show students are legally considered "education records" under FERPA for every student visibly captured in the footage.

  • Navarro ISD Compliance & Redaction: Because a video cannot be released if it violates the privacy of other students, Navarro ISD must comply with strict guidelines. If a parent requests a video showing their child interacting with or alongside other students, the district cannot expose the identities of other children. Navarro ISD will either arrange for the parent to safely view the footage. Requests for educational records may also be heavily redacted or denied in accordance with Texas Attorney General rulings on student privacy.