Arrowhead board hears students’ privacy concerns over new electronic pass system; administration pledges review

Superintendent Farmer told the Arrowhead UHS School District Board that the district—s new electronic pass system (EPAS) is intended to improve student safety and supervision and that, "With the EPAS system, our buildings are safer than they have ever been." He said staff will work with students and families to accommodate unusual circumstances and that data on pass use is deleted annually.

The EPAS drew extended public comment from students and community members on privacy, technical problems and the seven-pass weekly limit. Student speakers said large numbers of students oppose aspects of the system and asked the board to review it. "Tracking bathroom usage, location, and personal time through a third-party company raises serious questions about data privacy and student rights," said student speaker Will Budiac. Junior Dia Aurora said the student petition and online forms represent "over 600 students, which is over 25% of our student population," and urged the board to "look into this matter deeper." Student presenter Tessa Mom told the board a student survey collected 220 responses and that many respondents submitted written grievances.

Why it matters: The EPAS governs when and how students leave class during the school day. Parents and students said the system, as implemented, creates privacy concerns and practical problems for urgent needs such as menstrual care. District…