Attorney General Ken Paxton today praised the progress that the Brazosport, Holliday and Lewisville Independent School Districts made after warning them last week to stop unlawful electioneering activities.
Attorney General Paxton’s letters thank the districts for the steps they’ve taken to comply with Texas law while reminding them of their legal obligation to respond to the open records requests and ongoing investigations initiated by his office. The cease and desist notices sent by Attorney General Paxton’s office on February 14 documented how school districts used taxpayer resources to distribute messages to their staff and the public advocating for or against certain political candidates and measures. The letters included screenshots of the school districts’ political messaging on social media, as well as campaign videos.
“School districts exist to educate, not function as political action committees. I am thankful that the school districts in question recognized this and promptly complied with Texas law after my office issued letters last week,” Attorney General Paxton said. “By working with us so quickly, they help all Texas school districts understand that they have a distinct responsibility to refrain from spending public funds on advocating for or opposing political candidates.”
Attorney General Paxton’s office continues to investigate complaints of unlawful electioneering by school districts across Texas.
View Brazosport ISD’s letter to the OAG (PDF). View the OAG’s response (PDF).
View Holliday ISD’s letter to the OAG (PDF). View the OAG’s response (PDF).
View Lewisville ISD’s letter to the OAG (PDF). View the OAG’s response (PDF).