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Marana Unified board approves data-sharing agreement with Pima Community College after debate over opt-in language
Summary
The governing board approved an intergovernmental agreement allowing limited directory information to be shared with Pima Community College to support outreach to families, after clarifying whether parental consent must be opt-in or opt-out.
The Marana Unified School District governing board approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Pima County Community College District to share limited directory information for outreach about postsecondary opportunities, following board questions about whether parents would be required to opt in or opt out.
District staff described the agreement as FERPA-compliant and said the intent is to provide Pima Community College with names, addresses and email addresses only for students and parents who have given written affirmative consent. Staff said the college found traditional outreach (flyers, optional sessions) had not reached many families and asked for direct access to families who agree to receive information via email or text.
A board member raised a concern that the language in the board packet and the draft agreement appeared inconsistent: the packet language implied an opt-in approach, while one clause in the agreement as written read more like an opt-out mechanism. District staff acknowledged the misalignment and told the board that the agreement and the accompanying paragraph in the packet both indicate affirmative parental consent will be required prior to disclosure.
The board voted to approve the IGA; the motion was recorded as passing 5-0.
The agreement was described in the meeting as strictly limited to directory information and subject to FERPA protections and recent state statute language regarding directory data. District staff said they would only disclose information for families that provide affirmative written consent.
