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Parent tells board FERPA limits access to incident reports; seeks acknowledgement of report submission
Summary
Visitor Richard Davidson told the board he cannot obtain an incident report for his child because FERPA prevents disclosing information about another minor; he asked for documentation that he submitted a report and described feeling the child’s safety was at risk. The minutes record the comment but no formal response or resolution.
A visitor told the New Lothrop Board of Education at its Dec. 16 meeting that parents are unable to obtain copies of incident reports involving their child when another minor is involved, citing Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) constraints.
Richard Davidson addressed the board and said he understood FERPA but asked, 'how do we go about it to disclose the other child' and added, 'I just want a document saying that I reported on my child because of her safety.' He told the board that his child 'is in the ocean with sharks and trying to get to shore.' The minutes record his concern but do not include a recorded answer, follow‑up direction, or a motion to change practice.
Context and limits: FERPA protects the education records of students and restricts the disclosure of personally identifiable information about other students. The minutes reflect the parent's concern and request for a record of report submission; they do not document a board response, staff action, or policy change at this meeting.
