CSBA issues statement regarding disclosure of private student information by the California Department of Education
SACRAMENTO, Calif., (February 18, 2016) – “In light of a recent court order that could result in the California Department of Education (CDE) releasing up to 10 million student records to attorneys for a parent advocacy group, the California School Boards Association reaffirms its commitment to student privacy, its willingness to help families protect sensitive student information, and its intent to clarify some of the confusion surrounding this development,” said Vernon M. Billy, CEO and Executive Director of the California School Boards Association.
“Whenever student data is involved, the strongest precautions must always be taken to ensure that privacy is respected and maintained,” Billy continued. “Parents have a right to know why this information is being released so they can act in the best interests of their children and ensure they are protected. CSBA is committed to exploring any viable alternatives to prevent the release of this sensitive student data.”
In February, a U.S. District Court judge concluded that, in order to determine whether California school districts are providing appropriate special education services, student records maintained by the CDE must be released to plaintiff’s attorneys in the case of Morgan Hill Concerned Parents Association v. California Department of Education.
CSBA has provided guidance for districts on addressing this issue and will keep its members updated on developments in this matter. That includes the possibility of legislation to address the disclosure of student information and ways in which families can safeguard information pertaining to their students.
For CSBA guidance to local education agencies on the disclosure of private student information by the CDE, please visit:
https://www.csba.org/Advocacy/EducationLegalAlliance/LegalResources/2016-02_ReleaseofStudentInformation.aspx
The California School Boards Association (CSBA) is the non-profit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school district governing boards and county boards of education to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. CSBA provides policy resources and training to members, and represents the statewide interests of public education through legal, political legislative, community and media advocacy.