Opt-out policy across Capital region boces
To make it easier for staff and to be consistent with most area school districts' policies, Capital Region BOCES has officially switched to an "opt-out" policy when it comes to using student photographs and information in BOCES publications and releasing that information to media.
The switch was made effective July 26, 2010. The policy pertaining to release of student data, policy 5500, was finalized by the Board of Education as part of its review of all BOCES board policies.
| New policy on release of student info |
| What it means: BOCES staff must annually alert all parents/guardians and eligible students (those 18 years or older) that they have the right to "opt-out" or not have their student's photograph or information included in BOCES publications or released to media. Once that notification has been given, staff can publish and release student information as they see fit — unless they receive written notification from the parents/guardians or eligible students stating otherwise. |
This new policy means that parents/guardians can "opt-out" of the release of their students' names, photographs and activity information for publicity by notifying BOCES in writing. Previously, BOCES had an "opt-in" policy, meaning parents/guardians had to given written permission for BOCES to use or release such information. Most area districts have an opt-out policy.
BOCES lawyer Kevin Harren said that although the policy states that it is to be applied to "BOCES-enrolled" students (such as those enrolled in special education programs), the policy should be used with all students who attend BOCES programming, including students who participate in one-day events like NERIC's Tech Awareness Day or Odyssey of the Mind.
What staff must do
Staff much take the following steps to comply with this new policy:
1. All parents/guardians and eligible students (those who are 18 years or older) must be notified annually of this policy, including how they can "opt-out" of student information being released, if they so choose. That annual notice (approved by Harren) can be downloaded here: either as a Microsoft Word document or as a PDF.
2. Keep a record of any letters your program receives from parents or eligible students who do not wish to have information released. Note, the annual notice states that such letters must be sent to applicable program managers; please also share that information with your division's communications specialist, so they are also aware.
Questions?
Administrators were previously made aware of this policy change, so please ask your supervisor if you have questions. Questions can also be directed to Kevin Harren at 464-3901.
