Directory Information
FERPA requires that WSD, with certain exceptions, obtain a parent’s/guardian’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, WSD may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised WSD to the contrary in accordance with WSD procedures (see Administrative Regulation 5130). The primary purpose of directory information is to allow WSD to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications, such as:
- The annual yearbook;
- Honor roll or other recognition lists;
- Graduation programs; and
- Sports activity sheets showing weight/height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want WSD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify WSD on the Household Registration Form, prior to October 1st. WSD has designated the following information as directory information:
Name, address, parent or guardian telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees (diplomas) and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, personally identifiable photographs, videotapes, films and other visual media, personally identifiable interviews, either audio only or audio and visual, and other similar information.
Under federal law, this information is considered directory information and does not require the written consent of a parent/eligible student to release. If you object to the release of directory information you must notify the principal or designee of the school, in writing, on the Household Registration Form, prior to October 1st. If the Household Registration Form is not received by October 1st, it will be assumed that there is no objection to releasing such information. This procedure shall be done annually. Pursuant to federal law, upon request, WSD may disclose education records without prior parental/eligible student consent, to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. For further information, contact the Principal’s Office at the school where the student(s) attend in WSD.