Ask HR Services: Releasing Service Records

What are the requirements for school districts and charter schools to release service records to employees?

When a request is made to release a service record, the district or charter school is required by Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.4031(2) to provide the record no later than the 30th day after the request is made or the 30th day after the date of the last day of the individual’s employment, whichever is later. Districts and charter schools must abide by these requirements, and they cannot delay releasing service records based on internal processes and procedures.

For charter schools that are now closed and not consolidated into another charter or school district, the request must be directed to the Region 13 Educational Service Center. The same rules apply to service records requests for closed charter schools.

Additionally, school districts and charter schools may not delay or deny a request for a service record from an employee or another school district or charter school if the employee was investigated for alleged misconduct. School districts and charter schools must release the service record according to the rules regardless of the reason why an employee may have exited the district or charter school.

For more guidance on service records, check out the following resources:

• Ask HR Services: Service Records
• HR Services free webinar – Service Record Management (TASB member login required)
• HR Services workshop – Service Record Management
• TEA Salary and Service Record webpage