5780 - STUDENT/PARENT RIGHTS

The Board of Education recognizes that students possess not only the right to an education but many of the rights of citizenship as well.

In providing students the opportunity for an education to which they are entitled, the Board shall attempt to offer nurture, counsel, and custodial care appropriate to their age and maturity. At the same time, the Board recognizes that no student may be deprived of the basic right to equal access to the educational program, and his/her constitutional right to due process and free expression and association as appropriate for the school environment.

Attendant to the rights afforded to each student, however, are certain responsibilities, which include respect for the rights of others, obedience to properly constituted school authority, and compliance with the guidelines and rules of the District.

The Board realizes that as students differ in age and maturity, so they differ in ability to handle both the rights of citizens and the concomitant responsibilities. The exercise of each right shall be granted, therefore, with due regard for the degree of responsibility possessed by the student and the student's need for the continuing guidance and control of those responsible for his/her education.

Since a student who has reached the age of majority possesses the full rights of an adult, s/he may authorize those school matters previously handled by his/her parents, but s/he also assumes the responsibility for his/her performance in school, attendance, and compliance with school rules.

Parents also have rights in the school system to know about their student’s educational experience. Specific rights are listed in topic areas of these policies.

In addition, parents have the right to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum for their student. Instructional materials means instructional content, regardless of format, that is provided to the student, including printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials available in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). Instructional material does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

The Superintendent shall, in consultation with parents, develop a procedure addressing the right of parents as described herein and procedures to assure timely response to parental requests to review instructional material. The procedure shall also address reasonable notification to parents and students of their rights to review these materials. See AG 9130A and Form 9130 F3.

This policy shall not supercede any rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.