Release of Directory Information

     FERPA permits the District to disclose information designated as Directory Information without the consent of the Parent or Eligible Student. Directory Information is information, the disclosure of which is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Among the purposes that the Directory Information exception facilitates is the release of student information in athletic and extracurricular programs, yearbooks, honor roll and other recognition lists, graduation programs, etc.

     Gwinnett County Public Schools has designated the following information as “Directory Information”: name, address, telephone number, date of birth, electronic mail (email) address, photograph, audio recordings, video recordings, grade level, years of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, and honors and awards received. Unless the Parent or Eligible Student opt out of the disclosure of “Directory Information,” the information designated as Directory Information above may be disclosed in District publications or to appropriate legitimate agencies, entities, or individuals identified by the District, including, but not limited to, PTA, colleges, and military recruiters. The District will not regard agencies, entities, or individuals submitting Open Records Requests as appropriate legitimate agencies, entities or individuals for the purpose of disclosure of Directory Information.

     You have the right to refuse to allow “Directory Information” to be disclosed. In order to opt out of the disclosure of Directory Information, you must notify the principal of the school the student attends in writing within 10 days of receipt of this handbook information. The written notice must: (1) include the name of the student; (2) include a statement that the parent/guardian or eligible student is opting out of the disclosure of Directory Information under FERPA; and (3) be signed and dated by the parent, guardian, or eligible student.*

     *Please note that your written notice will be effective for the current year only and must be renewed on an annual basis should you wish to continue to opt out of the release of Directory Information.