School Board discusses safeguards for SRO access to student information

The Stoughton Area School District Board convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) and their access to student information. The meeting focused on the implications of an interagency agreement that would allow SROs to access sensitive student data, which raised concerns about privacy and information sharing.

The discussion began with a board member questioning the safeguards in place to prevent SROs from sharing confidential student information with other law enforcement officers who do not have the same access rights. The member expressed concern about the potential for misuse of information, particularly regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other privileged data.

In response, district officials clarified that SROs would be treated similarly to district employees regarding access to student information. They emphasized that the SROs would be bound by the same confidentiality policies as educators, which dictate that information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis. The officials assured that any breach of this protocol would be investigated, and the police department would also be notified if necessary.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of training for SROs to ensure they understand the district's standards for handling sensitive information. It was noted that the basic training for SROs includes guidance on the unique policies of individual school districts, which is crucial for their effective operation within the schools.

Another board member raised questions about the rationale behind the agreement and whether data had been collected to assess its effectiveness. This inquiry pointed to a need for ongoing evaluation to ensure that the agreement meets its intended goals.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the training needs for SROs and the importance of maintaining student privacy while fostering a safe school environment. The board's discussions underscored the delicate balance between security and confidentiality in educational settings.