In today’s digital world, safeguarding student data is more crucial than ever. For Murray City School District (MCSD), as with all educational institutions, ensuring the privacy and security of our students’ information is a top priority, guided by a robust framework of federal, state, and local regulations.

Federal Foundations: FERPA & COPPA

At the national level, two key pieces of legislation form the bedrock of student data privacy: the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). These acts are clear: schools must obtain consent from parents or guardians before collecting student information. Furthermore, they mandate that all collected data remains strictly confidential and secure, preventing unauthorized access or disclosure.

Utah’s Commitment: The Student Data Privacy and Security Agreement

The State of Utah takes student data privacy a step further with its comprehensive Student Data Privacy and Security Agreement. This agreement sets clear expectations for data privacy and security, not just for schools and districts, but also for the vendors who provide services to them. It ensures that any third-party provider working with MCSD complies with all state and federal privacy laws and maintains stringent data security protocols.

State Oversight & Local Policy: USBE and MCSD’s Dedication

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) plays a vital role in upholding these standards. Their Student Data Privacy Office offers invaluable training and resources for districts, schools, and parents, helping everyone understand their rights and responsibilities. This office also investigates and responds to any complaints related to data privacy breaches or violations, providing an essential layer of accountability.

Locally, MCSD reinforces these commitments through Murray Board of Education policy ADM 230. This comprehensive document outlines detailed policies for the collection, analysis, and storage of all student (and employee) data. It provides clear guidance on critical aspects such as data access, security measures, usage, governance, disclosure agreements, data breach protocols, retention, expungement, quality assurance, and transparency requirements.

A Collaborative Effort

The collective efforts of federal regulations, state agreements, USBE oversight, and MCSD’s local policies create a powerful, multi-layered system designed to keep student data confidential and secure. It’s a collaborative commitment to protecting the privacy of every student.

For more information, the USBE offers various videos and resources on student data privacy. You can also visit the MCSD Student Data Privacy page, or contact your school’s administrator with any questions.