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STUDENT RECORDS

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 5125

The Board of Education believes student records are a necessary element of describing a student’s development in school. It also recognizes that it is essential for the records to be accurate, appropriate, secure, and consistent with various legal statutes.

Therefore, it is the policy of the school District that all policies and procedures pertinent to student records be in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Such policies and procedures shall:

1. Guarantee access to authorized persons within five working days of request

2. Assure security

3. Enumerate and describe student records collected and maintained

4. Provide for the annual notification of right to access by parent/guardian or eligible student

5. State that a nominal fee may be charged for copies of records

6. Specify access (disclosure) restrictions including criteria for “school official” and “legitimate educational interest”

7. Provide for an access or disclosure log

8. Provide for the correction or removal of information

The Director of Student Services is designated as custodian of records for the District, and is the official responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of personally identifiable information of students, by providing training or instruction to all staff responsible for collecting or using student personally identifiable information (34 CFR 300.623). Principals shall be responsible for implementation of policies at the  school site level.

The custodian of records is authorized to classify records in accordance with California Administrative Code, Title 5 regulations and District regulations. However, permanent record classification beyond the requirements of Title 5, shall be submitted to the governing board for approval.

Applicable definitions and the types and locations of educational records collected, maintained, or used by the District are as follows (34 CFR 300.616):

Student records are any items of information (in handwriting, print, tape, film, computer, or other medium) gathered within or outside the District that are directly related to an identifiable student and maintained by the District, required to be maintained by an employee in the performance of the employee's duties, or maintained by a party acting for the District. Any information maintained for the purpose of second-party review is considered a student record. Student records include the student's health record.  (Education Code 49061, 49062; 5 CCR 430; 34 CFR 99.3) 

Student records do not include: (Education Code 49061, 49062; 34 CFR 99.3)

  1. Directory information
  2. Informal notes compiled by a school officer or employee which remain in the sole possession of the maker, are used only as a personal memory aid, and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute employee
  3. Records of a law enforcement unit of the District, subject to 34 CFR 99.8
  4. Records created or received by the District after an individual is no longer a student and that are not directly related to the individual's attendance as a student
  5. Grades on peer-graded papers before they are collected and recorded by a teacher

Attendance includes, but is not limited to, attendance in person or by paper correspondence, videoconference, satellite, Internet, or other electronic information and telecommunication technologies for students who are not physically present in the classroom, and the period during which a person is working under a work-study program. (34 CFR 99.3)

Student means any individual who is or has been in attendance at the District and regarding whom the District maintains student records. (34 CFR 99.3)

Mandatory permanent student records are those records which are maintained in perpetuity and which schools have been directed to compile by state law, regulation, or administrative directive. Mandatory permanent student records include a student’s legal name, date and place of birth, and date of high school graduation or equivalent.  (5 CCR 430)

Mandatory interim student records are those records which the schools are directed to compile and maintain for specified periods of time and are then destroyed in accordance with state law, regulation, or administrative directive. Mandatory interim student records include record access logs, health information, records related to participation in special education programs, and the results of standardized tests administered within the preceding three years.  (5 CCR 430)

Permitted student records are those records having clear importance only to the current educational process of the student. Permitted student records include standardized test results older than three years, routine discipline data, and disciplinary notices.  (5 CCR 430)

Disclosure means to permit access to, or the release, transfer, or other communication of, personally identifiable information contained in student records to any party, except the party that provided or created the record, by any means including oral, written, or electronic. (34 CFR 99.3)

Access means a personal inspection and review of a record or an accurate copy of a record, or receipt of an accurate copy of a record or an oral description or communication of a record, and a request to release a copy of any record. (Education Code 49061)

Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to: (34 CFR 99.3)

  1. The student's name
  2. The name of the student's parent/guardian or other family members
  3. The address of the student or student's family
  4. A personal identifier, such as the student's social security number, student number, or biometric record (e.g., fingerprints, retina and iris patterns, voiceprints, DNA sequence, facial characteristics, and handwriting)
  5. Other indirect identifiers, such as the student's date of birth, place of birth, and mother's maiden name
  6. Other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the school community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty
  7. Information requested by a person who the District reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the student record relates

Adult student is a person who is or was enrolled in school and who is at least 18 years of age. (5 CCR 430)

Parent/guardian means a natural parent, an adopted parent, legal guardian, surrogate parent, or foster parent. (Education Code 49061, 56050,  56055)

Legitimate educational interest is an interest held by any school official, employee, contractor, or consultant whose official duties, responsibilities, or contractual obligations to the District, whether routine or as a result of special circumstances, require access to information contained in student records.

School officials and employees are officials or employees, including teachers, whose duties and responsibilities to the District, whether routine or as a result of special circumstances, require access to student records. (34 CFR 99.31)

Contractor or consultant is anyone with a formal written agreement or contract with the District regarding the provision of services or functions outsourced by the District. Contractor or consultant shall not include a volunteer or other party. (Education Code 49076)

Custodian of records is the employee responsible for the security of student records maintained by the District and for devising procedures for assuring that access to such records is limited to authorized persons. (5 CCR 433)

County placing agency means the county social service department or county probation department. (Education Code 49061)

Locations of educational records collected, maintained, or used by the District include, but are not limited to, school site(s), District administration office(s), student information systems and databases, and other secured digital platforms.

Persons Granted Absolute Access

In accordance with law, absolute access to any student records shall be granted to:

  1. Parents/guardians of students younger than age 18 years, including the parent who is not the student's custodial parent. (Education Code 49069.7; Family Code 3025) However, the District shall not disclose student records to a party, including a parent/guardian, who is legally prohibited from accessing records and information of a student pursuant to a restraining order. (Family Code 6323.5)
  2. An adult student, or a student under the age of 18 years who attends a postsecondary institution, in which case the student alone shall exercise rights related to the student's records and grant consent for the release of records. (34 CFR 99.3, 99.5)
  3. Parents/guardians of an adult student with exceptional needs who is age 18 years or older and has been declared incompetent under state law. (Education Code 56041.5)

Access for Limited Purpose/Legitimate Educational Interest

The following persons or agencies shall have access to those particular records that are relevant to their legitimate educational interest or other legally authorized purpose:

  1. Parents/guardians of a student 18 years of age or older who is a dependent child as defined in 26 USC 152. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31)
  2. Students who are age 16 or older or who have completed the 10th grade. (Education Code 49076)
  3. School officials and employees, consistent with the definition provided in "Definitions," above. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31)
  4. Members of a school attendance review board (SARB) appointed pursuant to Education Code 48321 who are authorized representatives of the District and any volunteer aide age 18 or older who has been investigated, selected, and trained by the SARB to provide follow-up services to a referred student. (Education Code 49076)
  5. Officials and employees of other public schools, school systems, or postsecondary institutions where the student intends or is directed to enroll, including local, county, or state correctional facilities where educational programs leading to high school graduation are provided, or where the student is already enrolled, as long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment or transfer. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31)
  6. The Student Aid Commission, to provide the grade point average (GPA) of all District students in grade 12 and, when required, verification of high school graduation or its equivalent of all students who graduated in the prior academic year, for use in the Cal Grant postsecondary financial aid program. However, such information shall not be submitted when students opt out or are permitted by the rules of the Student Aid Commission to provide test scores in lieu of the GPA. (Education Code 69432.9, 69432.92). No later than January 1 each year, the Superintendent or designee shall notify each student in grade 11, and the student's parents/guardians if the student is under age 18 years, that the student's GPA will be forwarded to the Student Aid Commission by October 1, unless the student opts out within a period of time specified in the notice, which shall not be less than 30 days. (Education Code 69432.9). Students' social security numbers shall not be included in the submitted information unless the Student Aid Commission deems it necessary to complete the financial aid application and the Superintendent or designee obtains permission from the student's parent/guardian, or from the adult student, to submit the social security number. (Education Code 69432.9)
  7. The California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) in accordance with a data sharing agreement pursuant to Education Code 60900, to provide data for use when planning for and applying to California public colleges and universities. (Education Code 60900, 60900.5)
  8. Federal, state, and local officials, as needed for an audit or evaluation of, or compliance with, a state or federally funded education program and in accordance with a written agreement developed pursuant to 34 CFR 99.35. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.3, 99.31, 99.35)
  9. Any county placing agency acting as an authorized representative of a state or local educational agency which is required to audit or evaluate a state or federally supported education program pursuant to Item #8 above. (Education Code 49076)
  10. Any person, agency, or organization authorized in compliance with a court order or lawfully issued subpoena. (Education Code 49077; 5 CCR 435; 34 CFR 99.31) Unless otherwise instructed by the court, the Superintendent or designee shall, prior to disclosing a record pursuant to a court order or subpoena, give the parent/guardian or adult student at least three days' notice of the name of the requesting agency and the specific record requested, if lawfully possible within the requirements of the judicial order. (Education Code 49077; 5 CCR 435; 34 CFR 99.31)
  11. Any district attorney who is participating in or conducting a truancy mediation program or participating in the presentation of evidence in a truancy petition. (Education Code 49076)
  12. A district attorney's office for consideration against a parent/guardian for failure to comply with compulsory education laws. (Education Code 49076)
  13. Any probation officer, district attorney, or counsel of record for a student who is a minor for the purposes of conducting a criminal investigation or an investigation in regards to declaring the minor a ward of the court or involving a violation of a condition of probation, subject to evidentiary rules specified in Welfare and Institutions Code 701. (Education Code 49076) When disclosing records for these purposes, the Superintendent or designee shall obtain written certification from the recipient of the records that the information will not be disclosed to another party without prior written consent of the student's parent/guardian or the holder of the student's educational rights, unless specifically authorized by state or federal law. (Education Code 49076)
  14. Any judge or probation officer for the purpose of conducting a truancy mediation program for a student or for the purpose of presenting evidence in a truancy petition pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code 681. (Education Code 49076) In such cases, the judge or probation officer shall certify in writing to the Superintendent or designee that the information will be used only for truancy purposes. Upon releasing student information to a judge or probation officer, the Superintendent or designee shall inform, or provide written notification to, the student's parent/guardian within 24 hours. (Education Code 49076)
  15. A foster family agency with jurisdiction over a currently enrolled or former student; short-term residential treatment program staff responsible for the education or case management of a student; or a caregiver who has direct responsibility for the care of a student, including a certified or licensed foster parent, an approved relative or non related extended family member, or a resource family, as defined (Education Code 49076). Such individuals shall have access to the student's current or most recent records of grades, transcripts, attendance, discipline, online communication on platforms established by schools for students and parents/guardians, and any individualized education program or Section 504 plan developed and maintained by the District. (Education Code 49069.3)
  16. A student age 14 years or older who is an unaccompanied minor experiencing homelessness as defined in 42 USC 11434a. (Education Code 49076)
  17. An individual who completes items #1-4 of the Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit pursuant to Family Code 6552 and signs the affidavit for the purpose of enrolling a minor in school. (Education Code 49076)
  18. A caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization that has legal responsibility in accordance with state or tribal law for the care and protection of a student, provided that the individual is authorized by the agency or organization to receive the records and the information requested is directly related to providing assistance to address the student's educational needs. (Education Code 49076; 20 USC 1232g)
  19. Appropriate law enforcement authorities, in circumstances where Education Code 48902 requires that the District provide special education and disciplinary records of a student with exceptional needs who is suspended or expelled for committing an act violating Penal Code 245. (Education Code 48902, 49076) When disclosing such records, the Superintendent or designee shall obtain written certification by the recipient of the records as described in Item #13 above. (Education Code 49076)
  20. Designated peace officers or law enforcement agencies in cases where the District is authorized by law to assist law enforcement in investigations of suspected criminal conduct or kidnapping and a written parental consent, lawfully issued subpoena, or court order is submitted to the District, or information is provided to it indicating that an emergency exists in which the student's information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. (Education Code 49076.5) In such cases, the Superintendent or designee shall provide information about the identity and location of the student as it relates to the transfer of that student's records to another public school district in California or any other state or to a California private school. (Education Code 49076.5) 

When disclosing records for the above purposes, the Superintendent or designee shall obtain the necessary documentation to verify that the person, agency, or organization is a person, agency, or organization that is permitted to receive such records. Any person, agency, or organization granted access is prohibited from releasing information to another person, agency, or organization without written permission from the parent/guardian or adult student unless specifically allowed by state law or the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). (Education Code 49076; 20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR 99.1-99.8)

In addition, the parent/guardian or adult student may provide written consent for access to be granted to persons, agencies, or organizations not afforded access rights by law. The written consent shall specify the records to be released and the party or parties to whom they may be released. (Education Code 49061, 49075)

Only a parent/guardian having legal custody of the student may consent to the release of records to others. Either parent/guardian may grant consent if both parents/guardians notify the District, in writing, that such an agreement has been made. (Education Code 49061)

Discretionary Access

At the discretion of the Superintendent or designee, information may be released from a student's records to the following:

  1. Appropriate persons, including parents/guardians of a student, in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31, 99.32, 99.36)

When releasing information to any such appropriate person, the Superintendent or designee shall record information about the threat to the health or safety of the student or any other person that formed the basis for the disclosure and the person(s) to whom the disclosure was made. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.32)

  1. Accrediting associations in order to carry out their accrediting functions. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31)
  2. Organizations conducting studies on behalf of educational institutions or agencies for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, or improving instruction, provided that: (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31)
  3. The study is conducted in a manner that does not permit personal identification of students or parents/guardians by individuals other than representatives of the organization who have legitimate interests in the information.
  4. The information is destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes for which the study is conducted.
  5. The District enters into a written agreement with the organization that complies with 34 CFR 99.31.
  6. Officials and employees of private schools or school systems where the student is enrolled or intends to enroll, subject to the rights of parents/guardians as provided in Education Code 49068 and in compliance with 34 CFR 99.34. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31, 99.34)
  7. Local health departments operating countywide or regional immunization information and reminder systems and the California Department of Public Health, unless the parent/guardian has requested that no disclosures of this type be made. (Health and Safety Code 120440)
  8. Contractors and consultants having a legitimate educational interest based on services or functions which have been outsourced to them through a formal written agreement or contract with the District, excluding volunteers or other parties. (Education Code 49076)
  9. Agencies or organizations in connection with the student's application for or receipt of financial aid, provided that information permitting the personal identification of a student or the student's parents/guardians for these purposes is disclosed only as may be necessary to determine the eligibility of the student for financial aid, determine the amount of financial aid, determine the conditions which will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.31)
  10. County elections officials for the purpose of identifying students eligible to register to vote or offering such students an opportunity to register, subject to the limits set by 34 CFR 99.37 and under the condition that any information provided on this basis shall not be used for any other purpose or transferred to any other person or agency. (Education Code 49076; 34 CFR 99.37)

When disclosing records for the above purposes, the Superintendent or designee shall obtain the necessary documentation to verify that the person, agency, or organization is a person, agency, or organization that is permitted to receive such records.

Any person, agency, or organization granted access is prohibited from releasing information to another person, agency, or organization without written permission from the parent/guardian or adult student unless specifically allowed by state law or FERPA. (Education Code 49076; 20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR 99.1-99.8)

De-identification of Records 

When authorized by law for any program audit, educational research, or other purpose, the Superintendent or designee may release information from a student record without prior consent of the parent/guardian or adult student after the removal of all personally identifiable information. Prior to releasing such information, the Superintendent or designee shall make a reasonable determination that the student's identity is not personally identifiable, whether through single or multiple releases and taking into account other reasonably available information. (Education Code 49074, 49076; 20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR 99.31)

Process for Providing Access to Records

Student records shall be maintained in a central file at the school attended by the student or, when records are maintained at different locations, a notation shall be placed in the central file indicating where other records may be found. Parents/guardians and adult students shall be notified of the location of student records if not centrally located. (Education Code 49069.7; 5 CCR 433)

The custodian of records shall be responsible for the security of student records and shall ensure that access is limited to authorized persons. (5 CCR 433)

The custodian of records shall develop reasonable methods, including physical, technological, and administrative policy controls, to ensure that school officials and employees obtain access to only those student records in which they have legitimate educational interests. (Education Code 49076; 5 CCR 431; 34 CFR 99.31)

To inspect, review, or obtain copies of student records, authorized persons shall submit a request to the custodian of records. Prior to granting the request, the custodian of records shall authenticate the individual's identity. For any individual granted access based on a legitimate educational interest, the request shall specify the interest involved.

Within five business days following the date of request, the authorized person shall be granted access to inspect, review, and obtain copies of student records during regular school hours. (Education Code 49069.7; 5 CCR 431)

When required by law, a student's parent/guardian or an adult student shall provide written, signed, and dated consent before the District discloses the student record. Such consent may be given through electronic means in those cases where it can be authenticated. The District's consent form shall specify the records that may be disclosed, state the purpose of the disclosure, and identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made. Upon request by the parent/guardian or adult student, the District shall provide a copy of the records disclosed. (34 CFR 99.30) If the parent/guardian or adult student refuses to provide written consent for the release of student information, the Superintendent or designee shall not release the information, unless it is otherwise subject to release based on a court order or a lawful subpoena.

Qualified certificated personnel shall be available to interpret records when requested. (Education Code 49069.7)

The custodian of records or the Superintendent or designee shall prevent the alteration, damage, or loss of records during inspection. (5 CCR 435)

Access Log

A log shall be maintained for each student's record which lists all persons, agencies, or organizations requesting or receiving information from the record and the legitimate educational interest of the requester. (Education Code 49064)

In every instance of inspection by persons who do not have assigned educational responsibility, the custodian of records shall make an entry in the log indicating the record inspected, the name of the person granted access, the reason access was granted, and the time and circumstances of inspection. (5 CCR 435)

Duplication of Student Records

To provide copies of any student record, the District may charge a reasonable fee not to exceed the actual cost of providing the copies. No charge shall be made for providing up to two transcripts or up to two verifications of various records for any former student. No charge shall be made to locate or retrieve any student record. (Education Code 49065)

Changes to Student Records

Only a parent/guardian having legal custody of a student or a student who is 18 years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education may challenge the content of a record or offer a written response to a record. (Education Code 49061)

No addition or change shall be made to a student's record after high school graduation or permanent departure, other than routine updating, unless required by law or with prior consent of the parent/guardian or adult student. (Education Code 49070; 5 CCR 437)

Any request to change a student's legal name in the student's mandatory permanent student record shall be accompanied with appropriate documentation.

Any challenge to the content of a student's record shall be filed in accordance with Education Code 49070 and the process specified in Education Code 49070.

Retention and Destruction of Student Records

All anecdotal information and assessment reports maintained as student records shall be dated and signed by the individual who originated the data. (5 CCR 431)

The following mandatory permanent student records shall be kept indefinitely: (5 CCR 432, 437)

  1. Legal name of student
  2. Date and place of birth and method of verifying birth date
  3. Sex of student
  4. Name and address of parent/guardian of minor student
  5. Address of minor student if different from the above
  6. Annual verification of parent/guardian's name and address and student's residence
  7. Entrance and departure dates of each school year and for any summer session or other extra session
  8. Subjects taken during each year, half-year, summer session, or quarter, and marks or credits given towards graduation
  9. Verification of or exemption from required immunizations
  10. Date of high school graduation or equivalent

Mandatory interim student records, unless forwarded to another district, shall be maintained subject to destruction during the third school year after the school year in which they originated, following a determination that their usefulness has ceased or the student has left the District. These records include: (Education Code 48918, 51747; 5 CCR 432, 437, 16027)

  1. Expulsion orders and the causes therefor
  2. A log identifying persons or organizations who request or receive information from the student record
  3. Health information, including verification or waiver of the health screening for school entry
  4. Information on participation in special education programs, including required tests, case studies, authorizations, and actions necessary to establish eligibility for admission or discharge
  5. Language training records
  6. Progress slips/notices required by Education Code 49066 and 49067
  7. Parental restrictions/stipulations regarding access to directory information
  8. Parent/guardian or adult student rejoinders to challenged records and to disciplinary action
  9. Parent/guardian authorization or prohibition of student participation in specific programs
  10. Results of standardized tests administered within the past three years
  11. Written findings resulting from an evaluation conducted after a specified number of missed assignments to determine whether it is in a student's best interest to remain in independent study

Permitted student records may be destroyed six months after the student completes or withdraws from the educational program and their usefulness ceases, including: (5 CCR 432, 437)

  1. Objective counselor and/or teacher ratings
  2. Standardized test results older than three years
  3. Routine discipline data
  4. Verified reports of relevant behavioral patterns
  5. All disciplinary notices
  6. Supplementary attendance records

Records shall be destroyed in a way that assures they will not be available to possible public inspection in the process of destruction. (5 CCR 437)

Transfer of Student Records

When a student transfers into this district from any other school district or a private school, the Superintendent or designee shall inform the student's parent/guardian of rights regarding student records, including a parent/guardian's right to review, challenge, and receive a copy of student records. (Education Code 49068; 5 CCR 438)

When a student transfers into this District from another district, the Superintendent or designee shall request that the student's previous district provide any records, either maintained by that district in the ordinary course of business or received from a law enforcement agency, regarding acts committed by the transferring student that resulted in the student's suspension or expulsion. (Education Code 48201)

When a student transfers from this District to another school district or to a private school, the Superintendent or designee shall forward a copy of the student's mandatory permanent record within 10 school days of the District's receipt of the request for the student's records. The original record or a copy shall be retained permanently by this District. If the transfer is to another California public school, the student's entire mandatory interim record shall also be forwarded. If the transfer is out of state or to a private school, the mandatory interim record may be forwarded. Permitted student records may be forwarded to any other district or private school. (Education Code 48918, 49068; 5 CCR 438)

Upon receiving a request from a county placing agency to transfer a student in foster care out of a district school, the Superintendent or designee shall transfer the student's records to the next educational placement within two business days. (Education Code 49069.5)

Additionally, when a student in foster care is enrolling in a district school, the District's liaison for foster youth shall contact, within two business days of the student's request for enrollment, the school last attended by the student to obtain all academic and other records. (Education Code 48853.5)

All student records shall be updated before they are transferred. (5 CCR 438)

Student records shall not be withheld from the requesting district because of any charges or fees owed by the student or parent/guardian. (5 CCR 438)

If the District is withholding grades, diplomas, or transcripts from the student because of damage or loss of school property, this information shall be sent to the requesting district along with the student's records.

Notification to Parent/Guardians

Upon any student’s initial enrollment and at the beginning of each school year, all parents/guardians shall be notified, in writing of their rights related to student records. The notice shall include: 

  1. The types of student records kept by the District and the information contained therein
  2. The title(s) of the official(s) responsible for maintaining each type of record
  3. The location of the log identifying those who request information from the records
  4. District criteria for defining school officials and employees and for determining legitimate educational interest
  5. District policies for reviewing and expunging student records
  6. The right to inspect and review student records and the procedures for doing so
  7. The right to challenge and the procedures for challenging the content of a student record that the parent/guardian or student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights
  8. The cost, if any, charged for duplicating copies of records
  9. The categories of information defined as directory information pursuant to Education Code 49073
  10. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's records except when disclosure without consent is authorized by law
  11. Availability of the curriculum prospectus developed pursuant to Education Code 49091.14 containing the titles, descriptions, and instructional aims of every course offered by the school
  12. The sharing with CCGI of specified District data and data collected by the California Department of Education for the purposes of college admissions, academic placement, and eligibility for student financial aid (Education Code 60900)
  13.  Any other rights and requirements set forth in Education Code 49060-49085, and the right of parents/guardians to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the District to comply with 20 USC 1232g
  14. A statement that the District forwards education records to other agencies or institutions that request the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled as long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment

In addition, the annual parental notification shall include a statement that a student's citizenship status, immigration status, place of birth, or any other information indicating national origin will not be released without parental consent or a court order and that parents/guardians may request that the District not release the name, address, and telephone number of their child to military recruiters.

Release of Directory Information

Directory information may be released at the discretion of the custodian of the records. Directory information is defined as student’s:

  1. Name and address
  2. Telephone number
  3. Date and place of birth
  4. Electronic mail address
  5. Photograph
  6. Major field of study
  7. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  8. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
  9. Dates of attendance
  10. Degrees and awards received
  11. The most previously attended public or private school

Parents and eligible students shall be given the opportunity to deny the release of directory information. In no case, however, shall directory information be released to any official or organization, except public, non-profit entities other than employers, potential employers, media, or private trade/professional schools.

Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school juniors and seniors, may be released to federal, state, and local government agencies, and the military forces of the United States. Military recruiters shall not have access to a student's name, address, and telephone number if the parent/guardian has notified the District in writing that such information shall not be released.

To avoid the inadvertent release of email addresses of parents or students, group emails sent to parents or students shall enter the recipient's email address in the "blind copy" field of the email header.

School Directory information compiled by parents or students at a school can only be released to recipients who can be positively identified as a student currently enrolled or parent/guardian of a student currently enrolled at that school, or a staff member currently at that school.

Student Records from Social Media

For the purpose of gathering and maintaining records of students' social media activity, the Superintendent or designee shall: (Education Code 49073.6)

  1. Gather or maintain only information that pertains directly to school safety or student safety
  2. Provide a student with access to any information that the District obtained from their social media activity and an opportunity to correct or delete such information
  3. Destroy information gathered from social media and maintained in student records within one year after a student turns 18 years of age or within one year after the student is no longer enrolled in the District, whichever occurs first
  4. Notify each parent/guardian that the student's information is being gathered from social media and that any information maintained in the student's records shall be destroyed as provided in item #3 above. The notification shall also include, but is not limited to, an explanation of the process by which a student or their parent/guardian may access the student's records for examination of the information gathered or maintained and the process by which removal of the information may be requested or corrections to the information may be made. The notification may be provided as part of the annual parental notification required pursuant to Education Code 48980.
  5. If the District contracts with a third party to gather information on a student from social media, ensure that the contract:
    1. Prohibits the third party from using the information for purposes other than those specified in the contract or from selling or sharing the information with any person or entity other than the District, the student, or their parent/guardian
    2. Requires the third party to destroy the information immediately upon satisfying the terms of the contract, or when the District notifies the third party that the student has turned 18 years of age or is no longer enrolled in the District, whichever occurs first.

Updating Name and/or Gender of Former Students

When a former student submits a state-issued driver's license, birth certificate, passport, social security card, court order, or other government-issued documentation demonstrating that the former student's legal name and/or gender has changed, the District shall update the former student's records to include the updated legal name and/or gender. Upon request by the former student, the District shall reissue any documents conferred upon the former student,

including, but not limited to, a transcript, a high school diploma, a high school equivalency certificate, or other similar documents. (Education Code 49062.5)

If the former student's name or gender is changed and the requested records are reissued, a new document shall be added to the former student's file that includes all of the following information: (Education Code 49062.5)

  1. The date of the request
  2. The date the requested records were reissued to the former student
  3. A list of the records that were requested by and reissued to the former student
  4. The type of documentation, if any, provided by the former student to demonstrate a legal change to the student's name and/or gender
  5. The name of the employee who completed the request
  6. The current and former names and/or genders of the student

Any former student who submits a request to change the legal name and/or gender on the student's records but is unable to provide any government-issued documentation demonstrating the legal name or gender change, may request a name or gender change through the process described in Education Code 49070. (Education Code 49062.5)

Legal Reference:

Education Code 234.7 Student protections relating to immigration and citizenship status 

Education Code 35266 Reporting of cyberattacks 

Education Code 48201 Expulsion and Suspension Records

Education Code 48260.5 Notice of truancy

Education Code 48431.6 Required systematic review

Education Code 48911 (d) Reference to right of access to student records to be included in notice of suspension

Education Code 48914 Suspension records

Education Code 48917 Expungement of expulsion records

Education Code 48918 Mandatory interim records re: expulsion

Education Code 48923(b) Expungement of expulsion records

Education Code 49060-49078 student records

Education Code 49066 Grades: finalization; physical education class

Education Code 49067 Regulations regarding student’s achievement

Education Code 49069 Absolute right to access (parents’ right of access to student records)

Education Code 49073.6- 49076.7 Student Records 

Education Code 51216 student proficiency; assessment; conference to further student’s progress; instruction in basic skill for student not demonstrating sufficient progress

California Code of Regulations (formerly Calif. Administrative Code), Title 5:

430-438 Individual student records

432 (1) Mandatory permanent student records

432 (2) Mandatory interim student records

Government Code:

6252-6260 Inspection of public records

Government Code 8310.3 California Religions Freedom Act 

Civil Code

4600.5 Joint custody

Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g)

Code of Federal Regulations, Article 34

300.500 Definition of “personally identifiable”

300.501 General responsibilities of public agencies

300.502 Opportunity to examine records

300.573 Destruction of information

Business and Professions Code 22584 K-12 Pupil Online Personal Information Protection Act 

Family Code 6323.5 Ex parte orders 

(No Child Left Behind 2002)

Additional Reference:

Supplement to California School Law Digest, “Student Records” by: Jay E. Grenig. Vol. IV, Nos 9, 10, 11. (September, October, and November 1976)

Established: October 2003
Revised: October 22, 2024
Revised: July 15, 2025