As a result of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law affecting public schools and student records, the following explanation is necessary.

1. Parents and students (18 years of age or older) have the right to inspect and review the educational records of the student.
2. Students or parents wishing a copy of the permanent record for personal use or to be mailed to another similar school or a school of higher education must complete a release of information form which is available at the school the student attends. Eligible students (18 or older) must sign the form for the release of records while parents must sign the release for students under the age of 18.
3. An eligible student or a student’s parents have the right to seek to correct the student’s educational record which he or she believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights. This right includes a request for a hearing to present the evidence that refutes that part of the record to be changed if the school district decides not to alter those records.
4. Specific directory information, such as student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, photograph, grade level, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height as a member of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recently previous school attended by the student, may be released by school officials. The school district will make a reasonable decision whether or not to release information to various agencies or organizations. However, any eligible student or their parent may request in writing to the respective principal during the first two weeks of school if it is felt only part of the information should be released. The request will not cover pictures taken by news media related to school events.
5. Any person has the right to file a complaint with the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., if the school violates this federal law. The policy of the Oakes Public School District has limited the disclosure of information contained in the student educational record except; a. by the prior written consent of a parent or eligible student; b. as directory information; or c. under certain specific circumstances as permitted by federal law.