Welcome to the Whitharral ISD Parent Rights (SB 12) Hub
This page is designed to help parents understand their rights under Texas Senate Bill 12. Here, you’ll find relevant resources and guidance on how these rights apply within our district. Our goal is to ensure every parent has the information they need to stay informed and engaged in their child’s education.
Resolution Regarding Senate Bill 12
WHEREAS , Senate Bill 12 from the 89th legislative session relates to parental rights in public education, including requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction; diversity, equity and inclusion duties; assistance with District student social transitioning; and student clubs;
WHEREAS , Senate Bill 12 becomes effective on September 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS , local policies relating to matters in Senate Bill 12 will be adopted as soon as practicable, but after the effective date.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Whitharral Independent School District directs all staff and contractors to comply with the following requirements and directives:
All policies shall be implemented and followed;
Parental rights—including the right to direct the moral and religious training of the child, make decisions concerning the child’s education, and consent to medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment—will not be infringed unless required by law or to provide life-saving care;
Except as required by state or federal law, employees and contractors may not assign diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) duties to any person, and the District prohibits any employee, contractor, or volunteer from engaging in DEI duties for the District;
An employee or contractor who intentionally or knowingly engages in or assigns DEI duties will be disciplined, up to and including termination;
Employees are prohibited from assisting a student with social transitioning, including providing information or guidelines intended to assist with social transitioning;
No information about a child may be withheld from the parent unless required by law, with exception if disclosure would likely result in abuse or neglect; parents are entitled to all written records, including library and health records;
Information about parental rights to access records must be posted on the District website;
Instructional plans or syllabi for each class must be posted on the District website at the beginning of each semester;
The Superintendent must provide an internet portal for parents to submit comments to administrators and the Board;
Public comments must be heard at the beginning of each Board meeting;
The Board will only hold meetings outside of typical work hours;
Parents must be notified within one school business day if an employee first suspects a criminal offense has been committed against their child;
Employees may provide parents with information regarding a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or changes in services;
No employee will encourage a student to withhold information from parents about their health or well-being;
Employees may not discourage parental knowledge or involvement in critical decisions affecting student health or well-being;
Unless authorized by law, no employee may disclose a child’s health or medical information to anyone but the parent;
Unless authorized by law, no employee may collect, use, store, or disclose a child’s biometric identifiers to anyone but the parent;
Unless authorized by law, no employee will provide health care services, medication, or medical procedures to a student;
All grievances received after September 1, 2025, must comply with Texas Education Code Chapter 26A;
Written parental consent is required before a student may receive human sexuality instruction;
No employee may provide or allow third parties to provide instruction or programming on sexual orientation or gender identity for Pre-K–12 students;
Each parent must be provided at least two in-person conferences with their child’s teacher each school year;
No student club may be based on sexual orientation or gender identity;
Written parental consent is required before a student may participate in any student club;
The Superintendent must provide a copy of this resolution to all employees and contractors, both electronically and physically.
Access to Student Records
Whitharral ISD is committed to protecting the privacy of student information while ensuring parents and authorized school officials have appropriate access when needed. Student records are stored securely, kept confidential, and only shared in accordance with state and federal law.
What’s in a Student Record?
A student’s cumulative record follows them from enrollment through graduation or withdrawal. Records may include:
Enrollment and family information
Grades, test scores, and teacher evaluations
Attendance and health records (immunizations, screenings, etc.)
Special program participation (special education, extracurricular activities, etc.)
Behavior reports and parent/school correspondence
Transcripts and records from other schools
Who Can Access Records?
Parents/Guardians – You may review your child’s records in person at the school during regular hours with a written request. Copies are available for a small fee, unless your family qualifies for free/reduced-price lunch.
Students 18+ or Enrolled in College – You may continue to access your own records under certain conditions.
School Officials – Teachers, counselors, administrators, and others with a legitimate educational need may access records. Contractors and service providers are held to the same confidentiality standards.
Requesting Records
In Person – Submit a written request to your school’s principal (the custodian of records).
Copies – Available upon request; fees may apply.
Transfers – Records are forwarded promptly to other schools when students enroll elsewhere.
Special Education Records
The Director of Special Education is responsible for the confidentiality of records for students receiving special education services.
Directory Information
Certain student information (such as name, grade level, participation in sports/activities, awards, etc.) may be released as “directory information” unless parents opt out.
Disclosure of Student Records
With Consent
Without Consent
School officials (teachers, administrators, contractors, or volunteers) with a legitimate educational interest.
Other schools where the student is enrolling or transferring.
Government representatives for audits, evaluations, or compliance with education programs.
Financial aid personnel processing student aid.
Juvenile justice officials or child welfare agencies as allowed by law.
Organizations conducting educational studies (with safeguards for privacy).
Accrediting organizations performing their functions.
Health and safety emergencies when information is needed to protect individuals.
USDA representatives for school nutrition program reviews.
Directory information (such as name, grade level, or participation in activities) if parents have not opted out after public notice.
Parents always have the right to access their child’s records unless a legal order limits that access, and once a student turns 18 or enters postsecondary education, those rights transfer to the student.
