Introduction and Overview
The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), also referred to as the Texas Open Records Act, affords the public the right to access information maintained by a governmental body unless expressly prohibited by law. As defined, “public information” is any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body, a government official, or government employee. [1]
Lee College is dedicated to transparency, and the college and its personnel must adhere to state and federal regulations governing information management. Under the Texas Public Information Act, public access is granted to information pertaining to the official actions of:
- Public employees
- Elected board members
- Government agencies
Lee College must provide access for examination and reproduction of all information collected, assembled, or maintained by the college unless the information is exempt from disclosure under applicable laws.
Purpose of the website
The purpose of this website is to facilitate and enhance transparency, accessibility, and compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) as it relates to Lee College. By providing clear and comprehensive information, this platform aims to empower the public, including individuals, organizations, and stakeholders, with the knowledge and tools necessary to exercise their right to access governmental records. Through transparent communication, we seek to foster a better understanding of Lee College's commitment to openness and accountability, ensuring that the community is informed about the procedures, processes, and resources available for accessing public information in accordance with state and federal laws.
Public Information Officer Contact Information
For inquiries related to the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) and record requests at Lee College, please get in touch with our designated Public Information Officer (PIO):
Shana Whittington
Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and Administrative Services
Public Information Coordinator
swhittington@lee.edu
281.425.6545
Leslie Gallagher
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, and Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer
lgallagher@lee.edu
281.425.6301
Office Hours
Mon.-Thu.: 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Fri.: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The PIO is available during office hours to assist you with any questions or guidance regarding TPIA requests. We encourage you to submit TPIA requests through our portal at https://forms.office.com/r/SE9gzXDvKM for a prompt and efficient response.
Your inquiries and requests for public information are important to us, and we are committed to providing the assistance you need in navigating the process.