Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 1974

Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Information may be disclosed to school officials with legitimate educational interests. File a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), US Dept. of Education; Washington, DC. with the alleged failure(s) by the school district to comply with FERPA requirements.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Under Alabama law, local school systems are required to inform parents and guardians of their education-related responsibilities. Parents and guardians are responsible for the child’s attendance and conduct in school. Parents and guardians are required to read the Code of Student Conduct and return a signed acknowledgement form. Under Alabama law, parents or guardians who fail to compel their child to regularly attend school or fail to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil in accordance with the written policy on school behavior adopted by the Board of Education shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $100 and may be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than 90 days. (Code of Alabama, §16-28-12)

STUDENT DUE PROCESS

Before being punished for violation of a Board policy or local school rule and regulation, (but not necessarily before being removed from the immediate academic setting), the local school principal or designee will ensure that students are accorded appropriate due process. The following minimal due process will be accorded the student: 1. The student will be given oral or written notice of the charge(s) against him/her. 2. The evidence supporting the charge(s) will be explained to the student. 3. The student will be given an opportunity to present his/her own version of the facts concerning the charge(s).

STUDENT GRIEVANCES

Students have both the right and the responsibility to express school-related concerns and grievances to the teachers and school administrators. The term “grievance” applies to matters which fall within the discretionary powers of the principal, Superintendent and/or Board. Any student with a personal grievance is to discuss the matter with the teacher involved. When the nature of the grievance dictates otherwise, the student, upon notifying the teacher directly involved, may request a meeting with the school principal. One faculty member of the student's choice or his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) may be present at such meeting. A grievance is defined as written claim submitted by a student of a violation, misinterpretation, or inequitable