Student Records

As a parent of a student in the Fox Chapel Area School District, you have certain rights in regard to your child's school records. These rights are guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 1974, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Education Regulations. These rights apply whether your child is exceptional or non-exceptional.

The district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding exceptional and protected handicapped students in accord with state and federal law and the district's student records policy.

You have the right to review, inspect, or obtain a copy of your child's records. Records are also open to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in a child. You may make a written request for copies of your child's records at a fee not to exceed duplicating costs. If you believe that any information is inaccurate or misleading, you may challenge the contents of the records. You have the right to refuse individual consent where such permission is needed for releasing certain student information. Should you feel the district is not providing these rights, you may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

If a child transfers to another school system, records will be forwarded after notification of enrollment is received from the new school.

According to the FERPA, 1974, various non-confidential information can be released to outside agencies without your consent. This directory information consists of student's name; address; telephone number; e-mail address; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; dates of attendance; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors, and awards received; the most recent educational agency or institution attended; and other similar information.

If you do not want directory information about your child released, please notify David McCommons, Ed.D., deputy superintendent, in writing at the beginning of each school year.