3230 - Student Privacy Policy

Policy 3230

STUDENTSPrivate PrivacyPersonal privacy is a fundamental aspect of individual liberty.  All students possess the constitutional right to be secure in their persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.  Staff shall take particular care to respect students’ privacy.  However, no right nor expectation of privacy exists for any student as to the use of any locker issued or assigned to a student by the school district; and the locker shall be subject to search in accordance with board policy. 

The board of directors is committed to protecting the health and welfare of all students, maintaining the security of the schools, and promoting the effective operation of the schools. 

School officials have authority to maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect students from exposure to illegal drugs, weapons, and contraband. 

The superintendent, the principal, and other staff designated by the superintendent shall have the authority to conduct reasonable searches on school property as provided by board policy. 

At age eighteen students become legal adults and must approve any disclosure of information about themselves from school records, except directory information, if a request for confidentiality has not been filed.  Students at age eighteen may also sign releases, authorizations or permission slips to participate in school activities, and may sign themselves out of school and authorize their own absences.  Students between sixteen and eighteen who have been granted legal emancipation from the parent(s) or guardian(s) have the same rights as eighteen-year-old students.  Students over fourteen years of age have the right to keep private any district records indicating that they have been tested or treated for a sexually transmitted disease. 

Cross References: Board Policy 3231 Searches of Students and Their Property 
                                 Board Policy 3232 Locker Searches 
                                 Board Policy 3414 Infectious Diseases 

Legal References: Ch. 13 RCW Emancipation of Washington Residents 
                                 RCW 28A.600.020 Government of schools, pupils, employees, rules and regulations for – To insure optimum learning atmosphere 
                                 RCW 28A.320.040 Bylaws for board and school government 
                                 WAC 180-40-215 Student Rights 

Adoption Date:  August 23, 1994