NORTH SANPETE SCHOOL DISTRICT

FERPA Overview


Federal law, called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), gives families specific rights related to student records and privacy. A student "education record" includes any information that:

  • Identifies your student, and
  • Is kept by the school or on the school's behalf

This can include familiar items such as grades and attendance, but it may also include things like program participation, discipline records, or health information that is maintained by the school. These records are protected, and the District takes that responsibility seriously.


Your Rights as a Parent or Guardian

FERPA gives you several important rights. These are not just technical rules—they are designed to ensure that you remain informed and involved in your student's education.


You Have the Right to Review Records

You may request to review your student's records at any time. The District will make those records available within a reasonable timeframe after receiving your request. The request must be made in writing to the District Office.


You Have the Right to Request Corrections

If you believe something in your student's record is incorrect or misleading, you may request that it be corrected. If there is a disagreement about the request, you have the right to ask for a formal review.


You Have the Right to Control Most Sharing of Information

In most situations, the District must have your permission before sharing personally identifiable information from your student's record. However, there are some situations where the law allows information to be shared without consent. These include:

  • With school staff who need the information to do their job
  • When a student transfers to another school
  • When required by law, such as a court order
  • For required state or federal reporting
  • School officials with legitimate educational interests
  • Approved third-party service providers under contract (consistent with Utah Student Data Protection requirements)
  • Health and safety disclosures when necessary to protect a student or others

These exceptions exist so that schools can function effectively while still protecting student privacy.


You Have the Right to File a Complaint

If you believe your rights under FERPA have not been followed, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202



Notice for Directory Information


The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, protects the privacy of student education records. In general, schools must obtain written permission from a parent or eligible student before releasing personally identifiable information from a student's education records. However, FERPA allows schools to designate certain information as "directory information." Directory information may be disclosed without prior written consent unless a parent or eligible student chooses to opt out.

Directory information is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. North Sanpete School District has designated the following information as directory information:

  • Student name
  • Address, email address, and telephone listing
  • Grade level and enrollment status
  • Dates of attendance
  • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports, including relevant statistical information
  • Degrees, honors, and awards received
  • Photographs, including class photos and images related to school activities
  • The most recent school attended
  • A student identification number or user ID used for school communication systems, provided it cannot be used to access education records without additional authentication (such as a password or PIN)


(Note: A Social Security number, in whole or in part, is never used for this purpose.)


Directory information may be used in routine school-related activities and publications, including:

  • School yearbooks and class or individual photographs
  • Graduation programs
  • Honor roll or other recognition lists
  • Playbills or programs for school events and performances
  • Athletic rosters, programs, and activity sheets


Directory information may also be shared with outside organizations that support school-related purposes. These may include, for example:

  • Vendors providing yearbooks, graduation materials, or class rings
  • Organizations supporting school activities or programs
  • Law enforcement agencies, when appropriate


The District does not use directory information for commercial marketing purposes unrelated to students or school activities.


Military and Higher Education Disclosure

Federal law requires school districts receiving federal funds to provide certain student information to military recruiters and institutions of higher education upon request.

The information that may be disclosed includes:

  • Student name
  • Address
  • Telephone listing

This requirement applies to students in grades 11 and 12.

Parents and eligible students have the right to request that this information not be disclosed.


Your Right to Opt Out

You have the right to refuse to allow the District to disclose directory information about your student. If you do not want North Sanpete School District to disclose directory information without your prior written consent, you must notify your student's school in writing by:

  • September 15, or
  • Within 20 days of enrollment, if enrolling after the start of the school year


Important Considerations

If you choose to opt out of directory information disclosure:

  • Your student's name and photo may not appear in yearbooks, programs, or school publications
  • Your student may not be included in honor roll lists or recognition materials
  • The District may be limited in its ability to confirm enrollment or participation to outside organizations

This opt-out applies to all directory information disclosures, including those required for military and higher education recruitment, unless otherwise specified in writing.


Questions

If you have questions about this notice or how to submit an opt-out request, please contact your student's school or the District office.



What to Consider Before Opting Out

  • May not appear in yearbooks or school publications
  • May not be listed in programs or recognition materials
  • May not be acknowledged publicly for achievements

We want you to have this choice, and we also want you to understand how it may affect your student's participation in school recognition.