Ferpa Notification

FERPA: Access to Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students over 18 years of age and parents the right to review certain educational records. Pursuant to law, the following records are available for review:

• the guidance folder, which contains standardized test scores, biographical data and elementary progress reports;
• academic records for grades seven through 12;
• cumulative health records;
• attendance records;
• student disciplinary records reflecting superintendent’s hearings in which the student has been found guilty and letters and/or records of school suspension lasting five days or less;
• school medical records maintained at the school nurse’s office that contain the student’s medical history;
• pupil service records that include psychological reports maintained by school personnel.

These records are confidential and cannot be released without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian. The law does provide for limited exceptions to the prior consent requirement, e.g., certain school employees or state or federal officials have a legitimate purpose for needing access to information contained in the students’ records.

The Board of Education has established a policy for maintaining the confidentiality of student education records, and for providing access to such records for parental review. Copies of this policy are available in the district office. Applications for access to student records also are available in the district office. Please direct any questions about the right to review student records to the respective building principal.