Access To Student Records

FERPA and Releasing Student Directory Information

The Fairfield Community School District has adopted a policy designed to assure parents and students the full implementation, protection and enjoyment of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. A copy of the school district's policy is available for review in the office of the principal of all of our schools and on district website. This law requires the school district to designate as "directory information" any personally identifiable information taken from a student's educational records prior to making such information available to the public. The school district has designated the following information as directory information:

• student's name

• address and telephone number

• date and place of birth

• e-mail address

• grade level

• enrollment status

• major field of study

• participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• weight and height of members of athletic teams

• dates of attendance;

• degrees and awards received

• the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student

• photograph and other likeness and other similar information.

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 three directory information categories - 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.

You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the school district in writing. If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete Student Permission Form and return to child's school or ACT Office, 403 South 20th Street, Fairfield, IA 52556.