ParentStudentHandbook2017-18 AUG.17

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request foraccess. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 4. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office US Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202–5901

Student Records Student records are governed by extensive regulatory provisions. The district will conform in all respects to the requirements of state and federal law regarding the preparation, maintenance, security, disclosure, and destruction of student records. A Public Guide to The Open Public Records Act (OPRA) N.J.S.A. 47A:1A–1 can be found at www.nj.gov/grc . Request for Student Records – Parents who request access to student records shall utilize the district form, which has been adopted by the Custodian of Records. This form is available in the Board of Education office. Student records will only be released to a third party with written consent from the parent/guardian or adult pupil. Records will require time to compile and to make the copies requested, but will normally be available during normal business hours and within seven (7) business days.

Fees – Except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, the fee assessed for the duplication of a printed record shall be based on the actual cost incurred by the district.

Appeals – A person who is denied access to a student record by the Custodian of Record, at the option of the requester, may appeal to either (1) the Board of Education; or (2) to the Commissioner of Education. Appeals relating to the pupil records or educationally handicapped children must be processed in accordance with the special education regulations. Cande Kristoff

Custodian of Records Berlin CommunitySchool 215 S. Franklin Avenue Berlin, New Jersey 08009

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