A. Notification of Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA

IIII.. S ST TU UD DE EN NT T R RE EC CO OR RD DS S,, R RE ES SIID DE EN NC CY Y,, A AN ND D F FE EE ES S

The Governor’s School is committed to operating within state and federal laws regarding student records and ensuring that families understand our positions on these matters. Students who attend GSSM must be residents of South Carolina. There are also policies that govern the way records are managed, processes for withdrawing from the school, and fees and deposits. These important topics will be discussed in this chapter.

A. Notification of Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

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

1. Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of a written request made to the President of GSSM. The request must identify the specific record(s) they wish to inspect. The President will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. Parents or an eligible student have the right to request the amendment of the student’s education record that is believed to be inaccurate or misleading. They should write the

President of GSSM, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. Should the President of GSSM decide not to amend the student’s record, the parents or eligible student will be notified of their right to a hearing regarding the request for an amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. Upon request, GSSM will disclose education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent, the parent or an eligible student has the right to have personally identifiable information not disclosed.

a. If requested, GSSM will disclose without parental or eligible student consent, Directory

Information (student’s name and home address, photograph, weight and height of athletes, previous schools attended, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, and awards and activities) to appropriate sources unless the parent or eligible student withdraws consent to disclose Directory Information within 30 days of the issuance of this notice. Withdrawal of consent must be written.

b. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by a District or school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the

Board of GSSM, a person or company with whom the District or school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Unless consent has been withdrawn, directory information will be shared with the GSSM

Foundation.