John Eppolito raises concerns over Infinite Campus student data practices in Nevada

During the recent Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees meeting, concerns were raised regarding the Infinite Campus system, which stores extensive data on students across Nevada. John Eppolito, a speaker at the meeting, highlighted significant issues related to the management and security of student information within this platform.

Eppolito pointed out that Nevada may be unique in the extent of data collected on students, which includes not only academic records but also sensitive information such as disciplinary actions, medical counseling, and psychiatric data. He emphasized that this data is stored indefinitely, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse. Notably, he mentioned that Infinite Campus has been involved in multiple data breaches, which further exacerbates worries about the security of student information.

A critical aspect of the discussion was the lack of transparency regarding third-party vendors that have access to the data stored in Infinite Campus. Eppolito criticized the board for not disclosing how many vendors have this access, which he argued could lead to potential exploitation of sensitive information. He referenced the sale of Edmodo, a major educational technology vendor, to a Chinese company, suggesting that similar risks could arise with Infinite Campus if it were to be sold.

Eppolito also raised alarms about the implications of storing subjective and potentially incriminating data on students, noting that such information is not protected under HIPAA regulations. He warned that this could have long-term consequences for students, including impacts on college admissions due to online behavior linked to their stored data.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a growing concern among parents and educators about student privacy and data security in educational technology. As the board continues to navigate these issues, the community is left to ponder the implications of data management practices on student welfare and future opportunities. The board's next steps in addressing these concerns will be closely watched by stakeholders invested in the safety and privacy of students in the Washoe County School District.