We have dealt with this in the past, and have handled it several ways. In all instances, however, whatever is given to one parent must also be provided to the other. The first time that we navigated the issue, we ultimately requested that a formal request from the court be provided because it would require copious reproduction and redacting of the records to remove any information relating to other children (when we we were still relying on daily class sign-in sheets). Now that we have moved to an electronic platform, it is easier to generate the information for one child, but as a common policy, we still require a formal request. Our current policy, developed in consultation with our school attorney is below:
CONFIDENTIALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF FILES:
George Cottage shall maintain confidentiality of all children's records. They are the property of the school and are kept
secure and confidential. Access to files is limited to those who have a legal or professional need to consult such records.
Student records created by St. Martin's Episcopal School pertaining to school issues will be shared with parents at
designated times or upon special request. Any school-related records not independently accessible to parents via hard
copy or electronic means, including attendance records, will be generated and produced only by court order.
St. Martin's staff and administrators will assume, pursuant to LA R.S. 9:351 and regardless of the custodial arrangement,
that all married, unmarried, separated, or divorced parents both have access to school records and information relating
to the child. If there is a court order modifying parental access, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide
the school with an official copy of the court order and to keep the school updated regarding any changes of status. The
school bears no obligation to release paperwork not directly related to school issues or records provided to the school by
either parent, including governmental, medical, or financial information.
I hope that this is helpful. Unfortunately, we have dealt with this a few times, so I am happy to share the knowledge gained.
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Holly Dalferes
Director
George Cottage at St Martin's Episcopal School
Metairie LA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-16-2020 12:43 AM
From: Vera Chang-Garcia
Subject: Legality of Parent request for attendance records
Parents of one lovely child at my school are getting a divorce. Both parents are very lovely, but they can't see eye to eye. This is going to be a contentious divorce. What I have experienced is both parents are very loving to the child . One of them, asked me for copies of our attendance records alleging that the spouse is not being truthful, and accusing this person as being a "bad" parent.
I really don't want to be in the middle of this.
We don't have guidelines about this particular situation in our classRoom handbook, and now I am considering adding a section.
Could someone give me some advice how to go about this? I haven't responded and not sure how to do it in a fair way.
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Vera Chang-Garcia
Teacher
Beyond Pre-K in Spanish
Culver City CA
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