The quest for transparency in the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has recently hit a financial blockade, with district officials demanding a hefty $2,300 from KSAT for access to public records. In a peculiar twist, SAISD has also retained the option to withhold the requested information after payment is received. Documents requested are tied to internal district communications regarding school closures during last month's freezing weather.
The requested sum, while not uncommon for processing large records requests, raised eyebrows as SAISD did not rule out seeking a Texas Attorney General’s Office ruling which could allow the district to keep the records under wraps -- even after the payment is made. According to KSAT Investigates, this upfront payment policy coupled with the potential withholding of information is unprecedented in their experience.
While SAISD Superintendent Dr. Jaime Aquino has publically advocated for transparency and honesty, actions by the district raise questions about their dedication to these ideals. The district, in an email to KSAT, stated their current stance on waiting for payment before processing the request, a method that would delay the release of records for several months if an AG ruling is sought. "At this time, we are not seeking a ruling from the AG because we forwarded a cost estimate letter and are awaiting your response. As stated in the letter, within the next 10 days you can either pay the cost, modify the request, or file a complaint with the Attorney General," wrote Julissa M. Herrera, SAISD’s Policies, Procedures and Public Information Director.
In a separate financial concern, reports have also emerged that SAISD invested over $9 million in bond money into school infrastructures which are now on the chopping block to be shuttered. This news brings to light questions about the district's financial decisions and their impact on future campus closures. The investments from the 2020 bond, as unveiled by KSAT Investigates, now seem to be part of an awkward situation where facilities that saw recent financial inflows are being considered for closure.
SAISD's transparency push in the wake of infrastructure failures and the chilling impact of last month's winter melee continues to be tested as stakeholders seek clarity amidst these fiscal developments. The district has yet to respond to the question of what becomes of the $2,300 if they decide to withhold the records after KSAT makes the payment.
