3231 Policy – Student Records

Bellingham Public Schools will maintain those student records necessary for the educational guidance and/or welfare of students, for orderly and efficient operation of schools and as required by law. All information related to individual students will be treated in a confidential and professional manner. The district will use reasonable methods to ensure that teachers and other school officials obtain access to only those education records in which they have legitimate educational interests. When information is released in compliance with state and federal law the district and district employees are immune from civil liability unless they acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.

The district will retain records in compliance with the General Records Retention Schedule for School Districts and Educational Service Districts in Washington State found at: www.sos.wa.gov/archives/recordsretentionschedules.aspx.

Student records are the property of the district but will be available in an orderly and timely manner to students and parents. “Parent” includes the state Department of Social and Health Services when a minor student has been found dependent and placed in state custody. A parent or adult student may challenge any information in a student record believed inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student.

Student records will be forwarded to other school agencies upon request. A high school student may grant authority to the district which permits prospective employers to review the student’s transcript. Parental or adult student consent will be required before the district may release student records other than to a school agency or organization, except as otherwise provided by law.

A grades report, transcript, or diploma will not be released until a student has made restitution for damages assessed as a result of losing or damaging school materials or equipment. If a student has transferred to another school district that has requested the student’s records, but the student has an outstanding fee or fine, only records pertaining to the student’s academic performance, special placement, immunization history and discipline actions will be sent to the enrolling school. The content of those records will be communicated to the enrolling district within two school days and copies of the records will be sent as soon as possible. The official transcript will not be released until the outstanding fee or fine is discharged. The enrolling school will be notified that the official transcript is being withheld due to an unpaid fee or fine.

The superintendent will establish procedures governing the content, management and control of student records.