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Resident questions Mathews County Public Schools practice of using student ID numbers in staff emails
Summary
At the Oct. 24 town hall, a parent asked why staff refer to students by number rather than by initials or names in emails; Dr. Daniel said the protocol was intended to protect student privacy and limit personally identifiable information in records.
At the Mathews County town hall on Oct. 24, parent Amy Bohanan Stewart asked why Mathews County Public Schools uses student numbers in staff emails instead of initials or names, saying it feels dehumanizing and is time-consuming for parents to match numbers with students.
Dr. Daniel responded that the district adopted a protocol years ago to protect student confidentiality. He said using a student’s name in an email can become part of a student record and that referring to students by initials or numbers reduces exposure of personal data.
In a two-minute rebuttal, Bohanan Stewart said she understood privacy concerns but urged the division to consider alternatives used by nearby districts that allow initials or names to reduce staff workload and the awkwardness for parents receiving numbered references.
The town hall record does not show a policy change; the matter was discussed as a public question and answered by district staff. Board members did not propose immediate action at the meeting; the question may be referred to staff for additional review.
