Uvalde CISD hires Thompson Horton to help with public-records review and legal counsel

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District board of trustees unanimously approved an engagement with the Thompson Horton law firm to assist the district with public‑information requests, review of records and related legal matters.

The board took the action after public commenters urged faster release of documents tied to the May 24 Robb Elementary shooting and after trustees pressed for clearer legal guidance on what must be released under the Public Information Act and what may be withheld or redacted under federal privacy laws.

The administration introduced Thompson Horton at the meeting and Superintendent Nicholas said the firm had been retained on a preliminary basis so it could begin work and brief the board. Philip Frazenet, managing partner at Thompson Horton, told trustees, “If you choose to use us, we will be committed to help you try to deal with [these issues] with the seriousness with which they deserve.”

Frazenet said the firm focuses on counsel for school districts and can assemble a team to handle large-scale public‑information work. He said Thompson Horton can review what has been produced, what remains outstanding and advise the board on compliance with the Public Information Act, FERPA and other limits on disclosure. He described a team approach that would likely include Amber King on Public Information Act matters and Dave Campbell on litigation and appeals.

Several public commenters demanded release of documents and questioned past counsel. Amy Franco, who identified herself as a Robb Elementary survivor, said the delay and piecemeal releases have been “exhausting” and called the process “never ending lies, betrayal, and coverups.” Others asked whether a forensic financial audit should be pursued and whether the district’s previous law firm, Walsh Gallegos, had failed the district.

Frazenet told the board Thompson Horton could perform a legal review and advise whether a separate financial forensic audit would be appropriate; he said a true forensic financial audit would normally be done by auditors, with Thompson Horton providing the legal work. He said the firm would advise the board about when it is required to seek an opinion from the Texas attorney general and when the district can lawfully release records without that step.

Trustees said they want to receive legal information at the same time so they are not surprised by media releases. Frazenet and his partners said they would aim to keep the board informed while observing open‑meetings rules and attorney‑client privilege where applicable.

The board voted to engage Thompson Horton; board members said the engagement is intended to speed disclosure where legally possible, to clarify outstanding questions about records, and to provide counsel on communications with the community and the courts.

No timetable for production of outstanding records was set at the meeting. Trustees discussed retaining existing counsel on a limited basis during a transition so the district retains access to any records currently held by that firm.