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Trustees narrow student directory information in updated policy to protect student demographics
Summary
The Smith Vocational Board approved an updated student directory policy that narrows what the school shares publicly to reduce demographic identifiers, while adding a specific paragraph to permit limited directory information for athletics, clubs and senior activities.
The Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Board of Trustees approved changes to the student directory policy that remove much demographic identifying information and limit the standard directory to a student’s name, grade and expected graduation year.
The nut graf: The administration and the policy subcommittee recommended the revisions following guidance from legal counsel and statewide practice; trustees approved deleting language that previously listed more demographic details while adding an explicit exception to allow limited information to be shared for athletics, clubs, senior activities and similar events.
Policy details: The proposed update removes extensive demographic fields from the default directory and replaces them with a concise listing: student name, grade and graduating year. The policy adds a paragraph to make clear that limited additional information (for example, shop/athletic affiliation, program, or recognition during a senior event) may be shared during team rosters, program booklets and senior‑event announcements.
Process and rationale: The presenter said the change follows legal counsel recommendations and a review of other districts’ policies; the red text in the packet marked language proposed for deletion and blue text marked recommended additions. The goal, staff said, was to scale back routine public disclosures while preserving the ability to share pertinent information in the context of athletics and public ceremonies.
Vote and next steps: Trustees voted to approve the revised language and the policy will be folded into the student handbook distributed to families. The board will receive the revised handbook when published in the fall and staff will apply the new directory standard for athletic rosters, senior events and related communications.
Ending: The policy aims to protect student demographic data while preserving customary acknowledgements at public school events.
