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Board reviews state‑driven change to directory information policy and potential opt‑out workaround
Summary
Staff told the board that recent state rules narrow the definition of directory information, which could remove grade level and most‑recent school from publicly shared materials; staff proposed adopting the legal policy in July and exploring an operational opt‑out procedure for parents to preserve some school/grade information.
District staff told the board that an updated state definition (division 21) significantly narrows what can be treated as directory information and that the district's previously adopted JOA policy was flagged by the Oregon School Boards Association as inconsistent with the new legal definition. Staff said the practical effect could be substantial — "Imagine a high school yearbook without grade level listed" — and noted consequences for recognitions and social posts.
To respond, staff recommended adopting the legal policy as written at the July business meeting and simultaneously pursuing an operational opt‑out (modeled on media opt‑outs at registration) so parents could allow the district to include grade level or most recent school in communications. Staff said the opt‑out would be implemented in procedures rather than policy if legal review finds it permissible. The board directed staff to bring the corrected legal policy to the July business meeting and to continue exploring an opt‑out procedure and its legality with OSBA and legal counsel.
Board members requested that staff provide clearer community communications about the change and the timing for any opt‑out process before the 2026–27 school year.
