Uvalde CISD board votes unanimously to release responsive May 24 records to media

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to release responsive records in the lawsuit filed by media organizations seeking materials related to the May 24 incident and ordered administration to notify families and the community before the release. The vote followed public comments from families and local officials pressing the board to stop appeals and release district records dating to May 24, 2022, so families and the public can review them. Board President Laura Perez moved to comply with the court order and release the responsive information to the media; Trustee Suites seconded the motion. The board’s motion also directed district staff to provide prior notice to families and the community of the release date. The decision comes after more than three years of public requests and litigation over video, emails and other materials related to the May 24, 2022, shooting. Speakers during the meeting urged transparency and blamed continued appeals for delaying answers and increasing costs to taxpayers. Uvalde County Commissioner Ronald Garza told the board he considered a recent appellate ruling a victory and urged the district to drop its appeal and hand over videos and records to the media. Gloria Caceres, who identified herself as a parent, called for “the truth” for families and survivors. Superintendent Yolanda Colas (referred to in remarks at the meeting) said the district read and reviewed the documents and that releasing them “belongs to you,” adding that staff will try to limit further harm to families but that the documents may trigger painful memories. Board members said the release is intended to restore trust by providing transparency. The board cited pending litigation in the matter styled Texas Tribune et al. v. Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, case number 2022-08-34516-CB, which is on appeal in the Fourth Court of Appeals in Texas. The board also noted they discussed the matter in closed session under Texas Government Code section 551.071. The board’s motion passed with all members present voting in favor. Trustees said the district will alert families prior to releasing records so those directly affected learn of the materials before media publication. What the vote does and does not do: The motion instructs the district to release responsive materials to the media in compliance with the court order and to notify families in advance; it does not in itself change any pending criminal or civil proceedings or resolve outstanding appeals beyond directing compliance with the court’s mandate. The board’s action may prompt additional litigation steps from other parties; the district said it will continue to coordinate with counsel on next steps and timing.