- Section J: Students
JRA - STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION
RSU 21 shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and all other federal and state laws and regulations concerning confidentiality and maintenance of student records and information.
A. Directory Information
RSU 21 designates the following student information contained in education records as directory information: (1) name, (2) grade level, (3) participation in recognized activities and sports, (4) height and weight of student athletes, (5) dates of attendance at RSU 21 schools, and (6) honors and awards received.
RSU 21 may disclose any directory information if it (i) has provided notice of such intended disclosure to parents (and eligible students over 18) and (ii) has not received timely written notice refusing permission to disclose any such as directory information.
However, this limitation on RSU 21’s ability to disclose directory information does not apply in a health or safety emergency, for which federal regulations permit the district to disclose education records to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals without first obtaining prior written consent.
B. Social Security Information
Maine Dept. of Education regulations direct Maine school districts to collect and report student social security numbers to governmental agencies for longitudinal data purposes. Accordingly, RSU 21 asks parents to provide written consent to RSU 21’s provision of their child's social security number to the Commissioner in accordance with this regulation. However, provision of a child's social security number is not required as a condition of enrollment in RSU 21. No child's social security number may be used for longitudinal data purposes without prior written parental consent. When a student turns 18 years of age, the written consent must be obtained from the student and the rights previously accorded to the parent are accorded to the student.
C. Military Recruiters/Higher Education Access to Information
Under federal law, military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled to receive the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of secondary students. RSU 21 must comply with any such request, provided that (i) parents (and eligible students over 18) have received written notice of their right to request that this information not be released without their prior written consent (‘Military Consent Request”) and (ii) parents (and eligible students over 18) who’ve exercised this Military Consent Request have granted such written consent.
D. Information on the Internet
Under Maine law, RSU 21 shall not publish on the Internet any information that identifies as student, including, but not limited to, the student’s (1) full name, (2) photograph, (3) personal biography, (4) email address, (5) home address, (6) date of birth, (7) social security number and (8) parents’ names, without the prior written consent of either the student’s parent or the student themself (in the case of students over 18).
E. Transfer of Student Records
As required by Maine law, upon receipt of a written notice, from the receiving school unit to which the student has enrolled, RSU 21 sends student education records to the receiving school unit including disciplinary records, attendance records, special education records, and health records (except for confidential health records for which consent for dissemination has not been obtained).
F. Designation of Law Enforcement Unit and Disclosure of Records
The Board hereby designates its School Resource Officer as the RSU 21 law enforcement unit for the purpose of school security and safety. RSU 21 may disclose student education records without parental consent to the School Resource Officer, provided that they have been designated as school officials with legitimate educational interests for the purpose of compliance with FERPA.
G. Administrative Procedures and Notices
The Superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing any administrative procedures and parent/adult student notices necessary to comply with any applicable laws and regulations concerning student education records and information. Notices shall be distributed annually to parents/guardians and students over 18 or emancipated minors concerning their rights under these laws and regulations. A copy of this policy shall be posted in each school.
Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99
20 U.S.C. § 7908
20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 6001, 6001-B
Maine Department of Education Rules, Chapters 101 and 125
Cross Reference:
JRA-E – Annual Notice of Student Education Records and Information Rights
JRA-R –Education Records and Information Administrative Procedure
ILD – Student Surveys and Marketing Information
Adopted: 07/21/03
Amended: 02/25/08
Amended: 08/16/10
Reviewed: 03/19/18
Amended: 10/21/2024
- Section J