Notification of Rights under FERPA for Champion Schools
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Champion Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents and students who are 18
years old or older (“eligible students”) specific rights regarding their education records. These
rights include:
- The Right to Inspect and Review Records
Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review education records within
45 days after Champion Schools receives a request for access. To request access, parents
or eligible students should submit a written request to the school principal (or appropriate
school official) identifying the records they wish to inspect. The school will arrange
access and notify the requester of the time and place for inspection. - The Right to Request Amendment of Records
Parents or eligible students can request amendments to education records they believe are
inaccurate, misleading, or violate their privacy rights under FERPA. To request an
amendment, a written request should be sent to the school principal (or appropriate
school official), specifying which part of the record needs to be changed and why. If the
school refuses the amendment, they will notify the requester of the decision and the right
to a hearing regarding the amendment request. Further information about hearing
procedures will be provided. - The Right to Consent to Disclosures
Parents or eligible students must provide written consent before personally identifiable
information (PII) from education records is disclosed, unless FERPA allows disclosure
without consent. One exception is for disclosures to school officials with legitimate
educational interests. The criteria for determining who is a school official and what
constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be outlined in Champion Schools’
annual FERPA rights notification. School officials typically include administrators,
instructors, support staff, and certain volunteers or contractors.
Optional Note: Champion Schools may disclose education records without consent to
officials from another school or school district where a student intends to enroll, is
already enrolled, or is transferring. FERPA requires a reasonable attempt to notify the
parent or eligible student of the records request unless otherwise stated in the annual
notification. - The Right to File a Complaint
Parents or eligible students can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if
they believe Champion Schools has failed to comply with FERPA requirements. The
contact information for the office overseeing FERPA is:
Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
Additional Note: Champion Schools may also include a public notice regarding
directory information, as required by § 99.37 of the regulations, in their annual
notification of rights under FERPA.
Optional Information: Below is a list of disclosures that Champion Schools may make without
consent:
FERPA allows disclosure of PII from education records without parent or eligible student
consent under specific conditions outlined in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for
certain disclosures (to school officials, judicial orders, etc.), § 99.32 requires that schools record
any disclosures. Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect these records. Champion
Schools may disclose PII without prior written consent under the following circumstances:
To other school officials, including teachers, who have legitimate educational interests.
To officials of another school or institution where the student intends to enroll, provided
the disclosure is for enrollment or transfer purposes.
To authorized representatives of federal or state educational authorities for audits or
evaluations of educational programs.
In connection with financial aid applications or awards.
To state and local officials as allowed by state statutes relating to juvenile justice.
To organizations conducting studies on behalf of the school, improving instruction, or
other educational purposes.
To accrediting organizations for their functions.
To parents of eligible students who are dependents for IRS tax purposes.
In compliance with judicial orders or subpoenas.
During health or safety emergencies.
As designated "directory information" under applicable requirements.
To authorized representatives of child welfare agencies for students in foster care.
To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives for program evaluations
under the National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act.
