Public Information & Grievance Requests
Public Information Requests
Overview
The Texas Public Information Act gives the public the right to request access to government information. The Act is triggered when a person submits a written request to a government body. The request must ask for records or information already in existence. The Act does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal or other research, to answer questions, or to explain District decisions. If the request is for student records, parents, guardians, students or their representatives may request student records from the campus where the student last attended school.
A person may ask to view the information, get copies of the information, or both. If a request is for copies of information, the governmental body may charge for the copies. If a request is only for an opportunity to inspect information, then usually the governmental body may not impose a charge on the requestor. However, under certain limited circumstances a governmental body may impose a charge for access to information. All charges imposed by a governmental body may be for copies or for access to information, must comply with Attorney General rules, unless another statute authorizes an agency to set its own charges.
Requests
To request public information, please submit the request in writing to:
David Truitt, Superintendent
West Independent School District
Re: Open Records Request
406 W. Shook Street
West, Texas 76691
(254) 981-2000 (for questions)
To ensure accuracy and efficiency of filling the request for public information, all requests should contain the following information:
- Full name and contact information of the individual making the request and any organizational affiliation;
- A complete description of the records being requested including date ranges, categories, subject matter, etc.; and
- The preferred format for record delivery (e.g. electronic copy to be emailed, electronic copy to be stored and delivered on a CD or other storage device, hard copy to be viewed on the premises, etc.).
West ISD charges fees authorized by the Texas Public Information Act. If the fees will result in a charge exceeding $40.00, the District will provide the requestor with a written estimate detailing the charges that will be imposed.
Information Links
For information on the Public Information Act, please go to Members of the Public and Frequently Asked Questions on the Office of the Texas Attorney General website.
Timelines and Deadlines
As provided by the Texas Public Information Act, West ISD will provide the requested information promptly. Depending upon the complexity of the request and volume of other pending requests, this is typically 10 business days. If the District is unable to complete your request within 10 business days, the requestor will be notified of the date the District expects to complete the request. If the request includes information that the District believes is confidential or excepted from release, the District will submit a request for an opinion to the Texas Attorney General to determine whether the requested information may be released or must be withheld.
During the Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Regular Board Meeting, the West ISD Board approved December 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31, 2026, and January 1, 2027, as the District's House Bill (HB) 3033 ten (10) designated nonbusiness days for the 2026-2027 calendar year on which the West ISD Administrative Offices are closed or operating with minimum staffing for Public Information Act (PIA) responses.
For additional information, please contact David Truitt, Superintendent, at (254) 981-2000.
Grievance Requests
Overview
West ISD is committed to resolving concerns informally whenever possible. If a concern cannot be resolved informally, a formal grievance may be filed. The formal grievance is an attempt to resolve concerns fairly and efficiently for students, parents or guardians, employees, and community members.
Attempts to resolve a concern informally do not extend grievance filing deadlines unless specifically provided in Board policy.
If you have already completed the informal steps and your concern remains unresolved, you may begin the formal grievance process outlined below. West ISD is committed to assisting you through the process. If you have questions, please contact David Truitt, Superintendent, at (254) 981-2000.
Formal Grievance Steps
Step 1: Determine Which Board Policy Applies. Before filing a grievance, make sure you are using the correct policy and grievance form. Review the policy carefully, including any deadlines and requirements.
- Employee: Board Policy DGBA
- Student: Board Policy FNG
- Public or Community: Board Policy GF
Step 2: Fill out the Level One grievance form completely. You may request a paper or electronic copy by emailing David Truitt, Superintendent, at dtruitt@westisd.net or by calling the West ISD Administration Building at (254) 981-2000. The West ISD Administration Building is located at 406 W. Shook Street, West, TX 76691.
If you are unable to access or complete the form, please contact David Truitt, Superintendent, for assistance.
Step 3: Submit your Level One Grievance Form. Submit your completed form to David Truitt, Superintendent, at dtruitt@westisd.net or by calling the West ISD Administration Building at (254) 981-2000. The West ISD Administration Building is located at 406 W. Shook Street, West, TX 76691.
To help avoid delays, please ensure your form is not incomplete, unclear or too vague, missing supporting information, submitted after the deadline, or missing a specific request for relief (i.e., the action you would like West ISD to take).
Please note that West ISD cannot consider requests or relief that would violate federal law, state law, or Board Policy.
Step 4: Level One Hearing. David Truitt, Superintendent, will confirm receipt of your grievance form and may contact you if additional information is needed. All grievances must be submitted within policy timelines. The grievance request will then be submitted to the appropriate administrator who will serve as the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer will make contact to schedule the Level One Hearing. The Hearing will take place with ten (10) district business days after the grievance form is received, unless both parties agree to a different date.
- At the Hearing, you may: Explain your concerns and/or submit documents or other information you want considered. You are responsible for providing information that supports your claims and the relief you are requesting.
- The Level One Hearing Officer will provide a written response within twenty (20) district business days after the Hearing.
Next Steps: If you are not satisfied with the Level One decision, you may file a Level Two appeal within ten (10) district business days after receiving the Level One response. The Level Two Hearing procedures follow the Level One procedures.
If you are not satisfied with the Level Two decision, there is a Level Three appeal to the West ISD Board of Trustees. If you are not satisfied with the the Level Two decision, you may file a Level Three appeal within ten (10) district business days after receiving the Level Two response. West ISD will notify you when the Hearing will be scheduled before the Board.
For additional information, please contact David Truitt, Superintendent, at (254) 981-2000.
