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Subcommittee forwards FERPA-language update that permits (but does not require) parent access to records for students 18 and older
Summary
The Norwalk School District policy subcommittee voted March 12 to forward a minor student-records policy change clarifying that when a student turns 18 the district is permitted, but not required, to disclose educational records to parents while the student remains enrolled. The motion was approved and will go to the full board.
On March 12 the Norwalk School District policy subcommittee voted to forward a minor update to the district's student-records policy aligning local language with recent federal guidance under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
A staff presenter explained the core change: when a student turns 18 the district is now "permitted, but not required" to disclose educational records to parents while the student remains enrolled. "At 18, the student has rights to their own records," the presenter said, adding that the district can still provide records to parents in many cases but is no longer strictly required to do so when the student is an enrolled adult.
The presenter reviewed what counts as an educational record (information directly related to a student and maintained by the district) and noted common exclusions such as private student notes. The presentation also covered directory information (name, participation in sports, honors), legitimate educational-interest disclosures (for example, to the RISE network under a data-privacy agreement), emergency disclosures for health and safety, and required responses to subpoenas or court orders.
Staff detailed retention schedules: essential records (grades, graduation, immunizations) are to be retained for 50 years; verified testing and health records at least six years after graduation; special education records and evaluations six years after a student leaves the district; and short-term or temporary records generally one to five years. The presenter said that disposal of verified records requires a state application and approval before destruction.
Committee members asked how the district would decide whether to release records to parents if the student is 18. The presenter said the district is permitted to release information and would typically consult the student and follow established procedures when concerns arise.
The subcommittee moved and seconded a motion to forward the language change to the full board; the motion passed. Staff said the two policy items discussed that evening would be added to the next full-board business meeting agenda.
Next steps: the full board will consider the FERPA-language update at its next business meeting.
