FERPA provides parents and eligible students with several important rights.

• Review Education Records
  • You have the right to inspect and review your student's education records maintained by the school.
  • Schools generally must provide access to education records within 45 days of receiving a request.
• Request a Correction
  • If you believe information in your student's education records is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violates the student's privacy rights, you have the right to request that the record be corrected.
• Control Disclosure of Information
  • FERPA generally requires schools to obtain written consent before personally identifiable information from a student's education records is disclosed.
  • There are exceptions that allow or require schools to share information without consent in certain circumstances permitted by law.
• Understand Directory Information
  • FERPA allows schools to designate certain information as directory information. Schools may generally disclose directory information without prior written consent unless a parent or eligible student has exercised their right to opt out.
  • Because directory-information policies can vary by school district, families should contact Pittsfield Public Schools or their student's school with questions about the district's current practices.
• File a Complaint
  • Parents and eligible students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe a school or district has violated FERPA.
  • For information about filing a complaint, visit the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA Complaints page.

FERPA does not prevent schools from using or sharing student information when permitted or required by law.

For example, information may be shared without parental consent in certain circumstances, including:

• With school officials who have a legitimate educational interest
• When a student transfers to another school
• In certain health or safety emergencies
• When required by a judicial order or subpoena
• With authorized state or local education authorities
• In other circumstances specifically permitted under FERPA

The U.S. Department of Education provides additional information about these exceptions.

FERPA rights generally belong to parents while a student is under 18 and attending an elementary or secondary school.

These rights generally transfer to the student when the student:

• Turns 18 years old, or
• Attends a postsecondary institution at any age.

Massachusetts law provides additional protections and rights regarding student records. For more information, families can review the Massachusetts Student Records Regulations.

Pittsfield Public Schools provides families with a process for requesting student records.

• During the School Year
  • September through mid-June
  • Please contact the school the student last attended.
• During the Summer
  • June through August
  • Please contact the Pittsfield Public Schools Registration Department.
  • Phone: 413-499-9507

For additional information about requesting student records, visit the Student Records Request page.

If you have questions about your rights under FERPA or your student's education records, please contact your student's school or the Pittsfield Public Schools Registration Department.

Pittsfield Public Schools 269 First Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-499-9500 contactus@pittsfield.net