Pupil Confidentiality FERPA

Under Wisconsin’s pupil records statute and the comparable federal law, FERPA, the District is prohibited by law from disclosing pupil records. Public records include records that contain or reference medical or health information about a pupil. Under the law, we can only disclose pupil records to existing employees who “have been determined by the school board to have legitimate educational interests, including safety interests, in the pupil records.” Wis. Stat. § 118.125(2)(d). Under Board Policy po8330, student records are only available to “designated school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the information.” “Legitimate educational interest is defined as “direct or delegated responsibility for helping the student achieve one (1) or more of the educational goals of the District” or if the record is necessary in order for the school official to perform an administrative, supervisory, or instructional task or to perform a service or benefit for the student or the student's family.

In short, we are required by law and Board policy to limit those who have access to student medical information to only those staff members who work with the student or have supervisory, administrative or similar responsibility. Although we understand the desire for information, we must protect student confidentiality and the liability involved with our staff having this limited access.

If you have any questions in this regard please call our district office.