I’m helping out with my friend’s child in school—things like homework, making sure he attends, and going to conferences. His mom is temporarily out of the area but will be back soon, so she gave permission for me to handle school communication. Now the school is saying she’d have to sign over all educational rights to me for this to work. Does anyone know if that’s really necessary? Isn’t there a simpler way to authorize me?
Been through something similar. A parent should be able to give permission for school communication without giving up full educational rights. Sounds like the school’s being extra cautious.
Marley said:
Been through something similar. A parent should be able to give permission for school communication without giving up full educational rights. Sounds like the school’s being extra cautious.
That’s what I thought too! She already gave verbal and written permission, but they’re still asking for formal paperwork.
Marley said:
Been through something similar. A parent should be able to give permission for school communication without giving up full educational rights. Sounds like the school’s being extra cautious.
Maybe they’d accept a simpler authorization letter? Schools sometimes just want something on file.
FERPA usually just requires parental consent for others to access educational info, not a transfer of rights. This seems a bit over the top.
Daryl said:
FERPA usually just requires parental consent for others to access educational info, not a transfer of rights. This seems a bit over the top.
Exactly, I didn’t think FERPA would require full rights transfer, just consent.
Daryl said:
FERPA usually just requires parental consent for others to access educational info, not a transfer of rights. This seems a bit over the top.
Correct! Parental consent is enough in most cases. You might be able to talk to the school about this.
You might want to check with an education attorney if they keep pushing for full rights transfer. They can clarify what’s legally required.
Aris said:
You might want to check with an education attorney if they keep pushing for full rights transfer. They can clarify what’s legally required.
Good idea. Didn’t consider a lawyer for this, but it could help if the school won’t budge.
Aris said:
You might want to check with an education attorney if they keep pushing for full rights transfer. They can clarify what’s legally required.
An attorney could draft a document for you that still keeps mom’s rights intact.
Can the mom provide a temporary authorization for you? Might help if she’s only away for a few months.
Jai said:
Can the mom provide a temporary authorization for you? Might help if she’s only away for a few months.
That’s actually a good idea! She’ll be back soon, so something short-term would work perfectly.
Jai said:
Can the mom provide a temporary authorization for you? Might help if she’s only away for a few months.
Sounds like a good plan. Schools are sometimes flexible if it’s temporary.
I’ve dealt with something similar before. A notarized letter from the mom should do the trick without transferring all her rights.
Griffin said:
I’ve dealt with something similar before. A notarized letter from the mom should do the trick without transferring all her rights.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll see if she’s open to doing that.
Griffin said:
I’ve dealt with something similar before. A notarized letter from the mom should do the trick without transferring all her rights.
Notarized letters are usually enough to get school cooperation, in my experience. Hope it works out for you!