How Public Records Are Obtained From Eagle Pass ISD Under Texas Law
Learn how public records are obtained from Eagle Pass ISD under the Texas Public Information Act. This guide explains how to submit a valid request, who to contact, and how the process empowers taxpayers through transparency and accountability.
Many readers have asked how The Maverick Times gathers information when our reporting references public records, particularly records from the Eagle Pass Independent School District. We believe it is important to be transparent with the community about how this information is obtained and what rights the public has under Texas law.
Texas has a strong transparency statute known as the Texas Public Information Act. This law gives any person the right to request existing records from government entities, including school districts such as Eagle Pass ISD. The law is designed to ensure openness, accountability, and public access to information that is created or maintained using taxpayer resources.
Much of the information used in public reporting comes from a written Public Information Act request, often referred to as a PIA request. A PIA request asks the district to provide records it already has in its possession. The district is not required to create new documents, conduct research, explain decisions, or answer questions. It is only required to provide existing records that are not confidential under state law.
For a request to be valid under the Texas Public Information Act, it must be made in writing. An email is legally sufficient. The request must clearly describe the records being sought and must ask for existing documents rather than explanations or opinions. The request must also be sent to the district’s designated Public Information Officer. No special form is required. No legal language is needed. The requestor does not have to explain why the information is being requested, and anyone may submit a request.
Public Information Act requests for Eagle Pass Independent School District should be sent to the district’s Public Information Officer, Ms. Byrne. Requests may be submitted by email to dbyrne@eaglepassisd.net. A request sent to this email address is legally sufficient and does not need to be copied to trustees, administrators, or other staff members to be valid.
In addition, community members may also submit Public Information Act requests to Maria Fuentes at mfuentes11@eaglepassisd.net. Requests sent to either of these email addresses are an acceptable way to exercise the public’s right to access records under Texas law.
Once a valid request is received, Texas law allows the district ten business days to respond. A response may include providing the records, asking for clarification, stating when the records will be available, or notifying the requestor that the district is seeking a ruling from the Texas Attorney General to withhold information it believes is confidential. It is normal for there to be no immediate response until that ten-day period is near or has elapsed.
Public Information Act requests are one of the primary ways journalists and community members obtain verifiable, source-based records directly from government entities. These records form the foundation of responsible reporting and allow the public to review documents for themselves rather than relying on secondhand explanations.
This article is the first in a series of informational pieces intended to empower taxpayers with practical tools to get their questions answered. Understanding how public records laws work helps residents participate more fully in civic life and promotes transparency in local government and school district operations.
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Like always, Maverick Time has done an outstanding job in reporting Eagle Pass Community news, such is the case with Mr. Ruiz, who has established real news and not hearsay news. Thank you Maverick Time for you excellent job, and please keep doing your good job.