Conflict of Interest Filings
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Effective January 1, 2016, Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires local government officers (LGOs) to disclose relationships with certain vendors. Employees and agents subject to the conflicts disclosure requirements must complete the online CIS form.
Government Officers/Employees
FORM CIS: Local Government Officer Conflicts Disclosure Statement (link to Texas Ethics Commission)
Vendors
FORM CIQ: Vendor Doing Business with Local Government Entity (link to Texas Ethics Commission)Hays Consolidated Independent School District maintains a public internet list of Local Government Officers (LGO) and disclosure statements covering conflicts of interest. Local Government Officer (LGO) now includes any person who undertakes to transact some business or manage some affair for the local government and who exercises discretion in the planning, recommending, selecting, or contracting of a vendor. No longer is the requirement just for board members and superintendents. Any employee or agent who fits the above definition is subject to the disclosure requirement.
Disclosure is required of officers of the district and their family members with regard to persons or agents contracting with the district or persons or agents responding to district quotations, bids, proposals, or requests for qualifications if:
1. the person has employment or other business relationship with the Local Government Officer (LGO) or a family member resulting in the officer or family member receiving taxable income; or
2. the person has given the local government officer or family member one or more gifts (excluding food) that have an aggregate value of more than $100 in the twelve month period preceding the date the officer becomes aware of an executed contract or consideration of the person for a contract to do business with the district. Lodging, transportation, and entertainment, even when accepted as a guest, are included in the $100 gift threshold.
3. Family relationships with a vendor must be disclosed. "Family relationship" is defined as someone within a third degree of consanguinity (blood) or second degree of affinity (marriage).
4. Statements must be filed within 7 business days after the officer becomes aware a conflict of interest exists.
Conflict of Interest FAQs
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Q: How do I know if I fit the definition of an LGO?
A: All directors and above on the organizational chart fit within the definition of an LGO; including the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees. All of these individuals are required to complete the CIS form for any gift from a vendor that is valued at $100 or more or has been multiple items during a 12-month period that add up to $100 or more.
Principals and other administrators who exercise discretion in the planning, recommending, selecting, or contracting with a vendor also qualify as an LGO and are required to report gifts.
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Q: I attended a professional convention and received a tote bag, mouse pad, and a pen from one of the vendor booths. Do I need to report this on the CIS form?
A: No, because the value of the items does not total $100, no reporting requirement is triggered, even if the District contracts with the vendor.
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Q: Do classroom teachers need to report gifts / gift certificates from parents?
A: No, most gifts to teachers do not need to be disclosed. However, if the parent is a vendor and the teacher exercises discretion in selecting the vendor, then a disclosure would need to be submitted if the value of the item exceeds $100.
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Q: During a conference, I attend a dinner sponsored by a vendor. Do I need to report this?
A: No, dinner as a guest of a vendor (where the vendor is present) is not included in the disclosure requirements. This is one of the remaining exceptions from the previous disclosure requirements.
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Q: What if I have a family member that is a District vendor or works for a District vendor?
A: If you qualify as an LGO, you must disclose if you or your family member have received income over $2,500 from a District vendor or if you or your family member have received a gift with a value of over $100 in a 12-month period.
Family members include: parents, children or your spouse.
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Note: Highlighted officers have a conflict of interest statement on file. Click on the name to view these statements.
School Board Members:
Board member conflict of interest filings are housed under the election section of the district webpage with all other filings required by the Texas Ethics Commission for elected officials. They can be found at the following link: https://www.hayscisd.net/Page/92.
Other Officers:
no statements on file
Hays Consolidated Independent School District also maintains a public internet list of Conflict of Interest Questionnaires which are required from all vendors:
