AISD Provides Clarification after Fannin Parent Meeting

Posted Date: 06/02/2020

On Wednesday night, Fannin Middle School hosted a parent meeting so the health department could provide information about a case of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosed in a student who attends the school. Just like hundreds of parent meetings held in our schools each year, this meeting was not subject to the Open Meetings Act. The distinction is that the Open Meetings Act applies to meetings of a governmental body who have gathered to discuss and make decisions about public business or policy. For instance, a school board meeting is subject to the open meeting rules. An informational meeting for parents is not.  

Earlier this week in an effort to communicate important health information about TB with the community and the news media, AISD promptly posted information on the district and the school websites, and district leadership joined the health department in a news conference. That same day calls went out to parents of those students who were identified as possibly being exposed to the disease. Letters were also sent home with all Fannin students. Our priority for the parent meeting was to respect the privacy of our parents. We felt it was necessary to provide the families in attendance with an opportunity for open dialogue with local health experts without cameras and reporters present. Again, the school’s meeting was a parent meeting, not a public meeting, so it was not subject to the Open Meetings Act.