FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Students' records maintained by the Athens City School District are protected under Section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act.

This statute governs disclosure of records maintained by educational institutions which receive federal funds. The statute provides that such institutions must provide parents of students access to official records related to the student and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate; that institution must obtain written consent of parents before releasing personally identifiable data about students from records other than a specified list of exceptions; that parents and students must be notified of these rights; that these rights transfer to students at certain points; and that an office and review board must be established.

This office is the Family Policy Compliance Office of the US Department of Education, charged with investigation and adjudication of violations and complaints under the US Department of Education, charged with investigation and adjudication of violations and compliance with Section 438.

Inquiries concerning FERPA should be directed to Janey Morris, Supervisor of Special Education and Federal Projects, Athens City School District, 943 Crestway Drive, Athens, TN, 37303, or by calling 423-745-1516.