Has anyone else had issues with getting access to their child’s school records? My kid’s school wouldn’t let me see her records because my ex enrolled her, and she didn’t authorize it. Now I have joint custody, so it’s no longer an issue, but I’m trying to find a way to get this on record. Any ideas?
Wow, that’s tough! Did you try asking the school directly for an explanation?
Tobi said:
Wow, that’s tough! Did you try asking the school directly for an explanation?
Yeah, they just said they couldn’t give me access without her authorization. Not helpful at all.
Tobi said:
Wow, that’s tough! Did you try asking the school directly for an explanation?
Sounds super frustrating. Did you ever think about taking it to court?
Tobi said:
Wow, that’s tough! Did you try asking the school directly for an explanation?
Sounds super frustrating. Did you ever think about taking it to court?
I did, and that’s how I got joint legal custody. Just hoping to address what they did before that.
Isn’t there a law that covers this? FERPA, I think? Not sure about private schools, though.
Jai said:
Isn’t there a law that covers this? FERPA, I think? Not sure about private schools, though.
Yes, it’s called FERPA, but it has a 180-day deadline to file a complaint, and I think I missed it.
Jai said:
Isn’t there a law that covers this? FERPA, I think? Not sure about private schools, though.
What’s FERPA mean?
Jai said:
Isn’t there a law that covers this? FERPA, I think? Not sure about private schools, though.
What’s FERPA mean?
It stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Gives parents the right to access their child’s records unless a court says otherwise.
Private schools might not be under FERPA if they don’t get federal funding. Does your kid’s school receive any?
Gianna said:
Private schools might not be under FERPA if they don’t get federal funding. Does your kid’s school receive any?
Good question! I don’t think they do, but I’m not sure.
Gianna said:
Private schools might not be under FERPA if they don’t get federal funding. Does your kid’s school receive any?
Maybe try filing a complaint anyway. At least it might get the Department of Ed’s attention.
Sounds like both the school and your ex made things tough. Maybe your state has other rules for record access?
Floyd said:
Sounds like both the school and your ex made things tough. Maybe your state has other rules for record access?
Didn’t think of that. I’ll look into any state options, thanks for the tip!
You could check with a lawyer too. Sometimes deadlines can be flexible if you had no way of knowing.
Leith said:
You could check with a lawyer too. Sometimes deadlines can be flexible if you had no way of knowing.
Good call. Maybe it’s worth asking… even if it’s just to get some peace of mind.